eBuses Have Arrived in CVSD

 In December 2019, we published this post about electric buses coming to CVSD. The Champlain Valley School District was selected to be a partner in the Agency of Natural Resources Electric School and Transit Bus Pilot Program. In March of 2020, voters in our towns approved the purchase of two buses (at the price of our regular diesel buses) and the grant we were award provided funds to make up the substantial difference. 

After a number of delays due to varied reasons, the buses have arrived! We have two electric buses, easily recognizable by the blue bumpers and wheels, that are running routes in Williston. They may also be used for other activities like field trips or transporting athletic teams, which could benefit our other schools as well. 

A group of CVSD leaders went to check out one of the buses today after it completed its morning route.

Greg Marino - Williston lead principal, Superintendent Rene Sanchez, Barry Russell - transportation supervisor, Angela Arsenault - board chair, Jeanne Jensen - CVSD COO

We could barely hear it coming into the WCS bus loop. What a difference! These buses will certainly help to reduce air pollution as well as diesel fumes. 

Barry Russell, transportation supervisor

The only need for diesel is for heat.

That looks a lot different than in a diesel bus!

Charging station at ABS

A few of our bus drivers have been trained to learn any additional details that pertains to driving an electric bus. There's great enthusiasm from students as well, especially those lucky enough to be on the routes covered by the electric buses. 

One lucky bus driver!

As we said in our December 2019 post, this opportunity allows us to not only transport students more safely and efficiently, but to make a concrete example of living up to our values. We are excited to take such an important role in helping Vermont reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency.