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El Monte Union receives 4 electric buses as part of Clean Mobility project
San Gabriel Valley Jul 23, 2021
El Monte Union High School District receives the first of 11 electric buses on Wednesday, July 21 as a part of the District’s participation in the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. The buses were delivered by A-Z Bus Sales. |Photo courtesy of El Monte Union high School District
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El Monte Union High School District received four of 11 electric buses on July 21 and July 22 as a part of the district’s Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project. It was made possible by a $9.8 million grant awarded by the California Air Resources Board.
The new electric buses are a part of the district’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint in order to create a healthier environment for students, families and staff. The main purpose of the new buses will be to transport students using the most current safety features that are not dependent on diesel or gasoline.
“Our students deserve transportation to school in buses that are not only safe but also work to eliminate poor air quality in their hometown,” Facility & Energy Manager Lena Luna said. “And so El Monte Union is excited to see the first buses being delivered because it is the start of new era of transportation for our students.”
The electric buses will also help to improve the air quality of the cities that EMUHSD services. Brandon Bluhm, Director of New School Bus Sales at A-Z Bus Sales, Inc., said that his company is 100% employee-owned and is the leading distributor of alternative fuel and zero emissions school buses in California. Bluhm also said that electric school buses can save districts up to 80% in fuel costs and up to 50% in maintenance costs.
“We are proud to be leading the way for alternative fuel and zero emissions bus sales in the state, and it continues to be a great experience partnering with the El Monte Union High School District,” Bluhm said. “We expect that the rest of the buses will be delivered over the next few months.”
The project will also add three electric motor pool vehicles, five energy storage systems and charging hardware to support electric vehicles. SO far, the district has already received 11 all electric 2021 Gem Polaris utility maintenance carts.
The active transportation plan is another part of this project, which takes a look at issues identified by each school community to understand each student’s trip from home to school.
For more information regarding the Clean Mobility in Schools Pilot Project and the Active Transportation Plan, please visit https://emuhsdmobility.com.
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