More California students are riding to school on a zero-emission school bus than ever before, thanks in part to funds provided by California Climate Investments. As of May 2024, more than 1,100 zero-emission school buses have been deployed at over 300 public school districts and local educational agencies. While many school districts across the state are phasing zero-emission school buses into their fleet, with the help of California Climate Investments three California school districts have gone all in on zero-emission school buses. McKinleyville Union School District and Oakland Unified School District now operate 100% zero-emission school bus fleets, and all of Stockton Unified School District’s general education routes are entirely served with zero-emission school buses.
The zero-emission school buses in McKinleyville Union School District’s fleet are ready for the day.
McKinleyville Union School District (McKinleyville Union) is a small, rural school district proving that transitioning to zero-emission school bus fleets is worth the effort. McKinleyville Union, which serves low-income communities located along a remote stretch of the California coast in Humboldt County, received a total of $1.5 million to purchase four zero-emission school buses from two California Climate Investments programs- the Rural School Bus Pilot Project and the Clean Truck and Bus Voucher Program (HVIP).
Every day, over 250 McKinleyville Union students ride zero-emission school buses to school. In a small district like McKinleyville Union, rising costs and a shrinking budget, combined with fewer school district staff, made the transition to a zero-emission school bus fleet challenging at times. However, not only have the buses provided clean and safe transportation for students, but they have decreased maintenance and fuel costs by approximately 60 percent. The success of the school bus initiative has emboldened the district to broaden its zero-emission goals, as they now focus on replacing utility vehicles, grounds, and maintenance equipment with zero-emission alternatives.
School districts in urban areas are also making the switch to zero-emission school bus fleets. Oakland Unified School District (Oakland USD) is now operating a fully zero-emission fleet with the help of a third-party student transportation provider, Zum. Together, Oakland USD and Zum are using a fleet of 74 zero-emission school buses to transport 1,300 special needs students to school daily. Oakland USD and Zum worked together to secure several different grants to make the fully zero-emission school bus fleet a reality. Oakland USD was awarded a total of $9.9 million in California Climate Investments Funding from the Clean Mobility Options Voucher Pilot Program and HVIP as well as additional funding from the US EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.
Powering the next generation: a fleet of zero-emission school buses at Oakland Unified School District charging up for a cleaner ride and sustainable future.
“Oakland USD is proud to lead the way with safe and sustainable transportation for our students, “said Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell of Oakland USD. “This is a landmark achievement, especially in Oakland, where families are disproportionately impacted by exposure to air pollution and high rates of asthma and other respiratory ailments. Zum’s electric school buses provide our students quieter, cleaner rides to and from school, giving them a better chance at success in the classroom, while ensuring the district is doing its part to cut down on air pollution to the benefit of all Oakland residents.”
Students Received new backpacks and school supplies at a recent event celebrating Stockton Unified School District’s award of zero-emission school bus funds from the U.S. EPA’s Clean School Bus Program.
Meanwhile, in the Central Valley, Stockton Unified School District (Stockton USD) is now running all of its general education routes with 35 zero-emission school buses that were purchased in part with funds received through California Climate Investments. Stockton USD received a $7.3 million Clean Mobility in Schools grant and $2.6 million from HVIP, as well as funding from the US EPA’s Clean School Bus Program and the California Energy Commission’s Clean School Bus Program. Currently, over 530 Stockton students ride to school on zero-emission school buses. Stockton USD provided a couple pieces of advice to other districts that may be interested in phasing in more zero-emission school buses, first stating the importance of identifying motivated, passionate, and adaptable individuals to lead a forward-thinking transition.
Stockton Unified School District successfully coordinated with the community, school board, contractors, and utility providers to bring the benefits of zero-emission school buses to their district.
Stockton USD also emphasized the importance of collaborating with any departments that may be impacted and opening up communication channels within the community, including with the school board, contractors, and electric utility providers. Driven by its successful zero-emission school bus deployments, the district is seeking to incorporate other zero-emission technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, and battery banks. The district is also planning to install an outdoor educational walkway to help students and community learn more about decarbonization and renewable energy.