Broward County Public Schools introduces zero-emission electric buses
Broward County Public Schools are poised to make a big splash with their latest initiative – electric school buses. These zero-emission vehicles are set to transform transportation for 54,000 students throughout the county while contributing to the goal of reducing carbon emissions.
BCPS will be the first public school district in South Florida to adopt these innovative electric buses, showcasing them on Thursday at the transportation terminal in Pompano Beach.
This move follows the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) recent announcement of a grant of over $14.8 million to fund the purchase of 60 zero-emission electric buses to replace older diesel models built in or before 2009.
In addition to these buses, BCPS has also partnered with FPL to install charging stations at each of its transportation terminals. Thanks to FPL’s federal grant, six bus depots will receive fast-charging infrastructure, enabling all 60 electric buses to power up and be ready to collect students.
BCPS Interim Superintendent Dr. Earlean Smiley is enthusiastic about the upcoming school year, saying, “Our District will be operating the largest fleet of electric buses in the state and, most significantly, taking an important step toward providing a healthier environment for all of us.”
FPL Vice President of Development Tim Oliver added, “These are the first electric school buses in FPL’s service area and represent the future of transportation that helps to make our communities more sustainable for generations to come.”
Each of these electric buses is a standard 72-passenger vehicle that produces no emissions at the tailpipe and is quiet on the road. Not only will these buses help the environment, but they will also provide a more peaceful ride for students as they travel to and from school.
Overall, this exciting new initiative from BCPS demonstrates their commitment to reducing carbon emissions, while showcasing innovative technology and taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
