COMPTON, Calif. – Today, the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) and its school transportation provider, Durham School Services (DSS), unveiled the school district’s brand-new fleet of 25 electric school buses and 25 newly-installed Tellus chargers, at a ribbon cutting event. The buses will begin transporting students this spring. At the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour and ride the buses.

Attendees included Lillie P. Darden (Councilwoman – District 4), Hector De La Torre (Executive Director, Gateway Cities Council of Governments), CUSD Superintendent Dr. Darin Brawley, CUSD Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Shannon Soto, CUSD Board Members Sandra Moss, Alma Taylor-Pleasant, and Satra Zurita, as well as key partners Highland Electric Fleets and Thomas Built Buses, Southern California Edison, Durham School Services team members, and fellow community members.

The 25 new electric school buses, which consist of 17 Thomas Built Type A and 8 Thomas Built Type C vehicles, mark the start of the school district’s first electric vehicle (EV) endeavor and was made possible thanks to partnerships and support from Highland Electric Fleets, Thomas Built Buses, and Southern California Edison. Funds for the new vehicles were awarded through the first round of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Program. Compton Unified School District was also awarded funds by the EPA for the third round of the program and anticipates introducing an additional 25 EV school buses in the future.

“The Compton Unified School District is excited to roll out these incredible EV buses in partnership with Durham and Highland,” said Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees President Micah Ali. “These new buses not only provide for a more sustainable, healthier Compton community, they also serve as an exemplar of innovation and social responsibility for our Compton Scholars.”

“These new electric buses are an investment in our students’ future—providing safe, clean transportation as they pursue their dreams,” said Dr. Darin Brawley, Superintendent of Compton Unified School District. “Just as we are committed to sustainability, we are also committed to academic excellence, ranking #1 in LA County for graduation rates and #1 in the state among comparably sized districts. Compton Unified will continue leading the way to ensure our scholars have every opportunity to succeed.”

“We are able to celebrate this new EV chapter in Durham and CUSD’s deep-rooted 20+year partnership thanks to the EPA grant, and our mutual ambition in driving this transition early. I can’t stress enough about how vital grants like these are and the need for continued support from our partners in government at the state and federal level to fund additional grants for school districts and their transportation partners that are ready to deliver and operate zero-emission buses,” said Tim Wertner, CEO, Durham School Services. “Lastly, I’d like to give thanks to our local team of drivers, technicians, General Manager Wendy, and countless other team members, whom, without, this project would not have been possible or even half as successful. I look forward to seeing the new heights we’ll reach over the next few years as we continue our partnership with CUSD.”

“Compton Unified School District is making a real difference for its students with the launch of its first electric school buses,” said Brian Buccella, Chief Commercial Officer at Highland Electric Fleets. “These buses bring cleaner, quieter, and healthier transportation to the community, which is especially important in a county where 1 in 11 children have asthma. Highland Electric Fleets is proud to be part of this effort, and we look forward to working alongside the CUSD community to continue making a positive impact for students and families.”

In preparation for the new EV buses beginning service this spring, hands-on training sessions for technicians were held in January of this year. The two-day training sessions were led by Durham School Services maintenance leaders, Thomas Built Buses, Highland Electric Fleets, and Optimal EV and covered topics related to EV safety, charging stations, and operations.

About Compton Unified School District: Compton Unified School District, whose Superintendent is Dr. Darin Brawley, is located in the south-central region of Los Angeles County. CUSD encompasses the city of Compton and portions of the cities of Carson and Los Angeles. The district currently serves more than 17,000 students at 36 sites. CUSD is a district that is elevating, with a high school graduation rate of 93%, dramatic facilities improvements, 88% college acceptance, and a focus on STEAM throughout all schools. The mission of the Compton Unified School District is to empower leaders to lead, teachers to teach, and students to learn by fostering an environment that encourages leaders and teachers to be visionary, innovative, and accountable for the achievement of all students. CUSD schools have received numerous awards, including Golden Bell Awards, National Blue Ribbon School designations, and Top 10 LA Public Schools by Innovate LA. CUSD is also a member of the League of Innovative Schools. The District’s Superintendent, Dr. Darin Brawley, was named 2019 Superintendent of the Year by the Los Angeles County Office of Education. For more information, visit http://www.compton.k12.ca.us.

About Durham School Services: As an industry-leading student transportation provider, Durham School Services is dedicated to the safety of our students and People. For more than 100 years, we have been committed to Excellence and upholding our mission of getting students to school safely, on time, and ready to learn. Through this mission and a grassroots approach to our operations, Durham School Services has earned recognition as a trusted transportation provider among our Customers and the Communities we serve.

About Highland Electric Fleets: Highland Electric Fleets is North America’s leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles.

Highland led the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and operates the largest electric school bus project in the U.S. With approximately 95% of school buses built in the U.S., the shift to electric drives American innovation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country in addition to reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Learn more at www.highlandfleets.com.

The post Compton Unified School District Celebrates New Fleet of 25 Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.

MESA, Ariz., – Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM), a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions, announced a partnership with Onondaga County, New York, to implement an advanced school bus stop arm safety program to protect students and reduce dangerous traffic violations around school buses.

The program will start by equipping more than 500 school buses with cutting-edge stop arm safety camera technology to better protect children on their daily commute to and from school. The stop arm camera safety system will automatically document and report vehicles that illegally pass stopped school buses, capturing critical evidence that can be used by law enforcement to uphold the law.

“Too often, drivers disregard laws that are intended to protect children while they are boarding and exiting school buses,” stated New York State Assemblyman William Magnarelli. “A recent study by the New York Association for Pupil Transportation determined that motorists pass stopped school buses more than five passes on average per day per bus. These cameras will serve as a deterrent to drivers from passing stopped school buses and ultimately save students’ lives.”

As one of the most extensive school bus stop arm programs in New York, the program will commence with six school districts, which include more than 20,000 students and more than 40 schools. The program is expected to roll out in phases with the launch to include:

Baldwinsville School District
East Syracuse Minoa School District
Fabius-Pompey School District
Jamesville-Dewitt School District
Liverpool School District
North Syracuse School District
“Onondaga County is pleased to announce our partnership with Verra Mobility on a stop-arm camera project aimed at ensuring safe travel to and from school,” said Onondaga County Executive J. Ryan McMahon, II. “This initiative will hold drivers accountable for illegally passing stopped school buses, helping to protect our children and make our roadways safer.”

The program will incorporate advanced AI integration, include a full-service solution to implement the school bus stop arm safety program, and deliver an expansive public education campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of illegally passing a stopped school bus. The technology will also help to increase camera performance in the extreme weather conditions surrounding the Syracuse area.

“Our stop arm safety technology has consistently demonstrated its ability to reduce dangerous traffic violations,” said Belinda Olivares, general manager of Verra Mobility’s Bus Safety Division. “In Onondaga County, we’re not just implementing a technology solution – we’re creating a comprehensive safety ecosystem that protects our most vulnerable road users. Our school bus stop arm program is about changing driver behavior and ultimately saving lives.”

Passing a stopped school bus with its stop arm extended is against the law. In New York, legislation has set fine offenses to start at $250 and increase with subsequent violations. When an illegal passing is captured, an event package (including video evidence of the violation) will be sent, verified, and approved by the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office before being issued to the vehicle owner.

The program will have no up-front cost to Onondaga County or the school districts and will be funded through the citations received from the illegal behaviors. The remaining funds will stay with the County.

Verra Mobility’s stop arm safety program has shown that 98 percent of drivers who are issued a violation for illegally passing a stopped school bus do not repeat their behavior. Through community awareness, programs have experienced a more than 50% reduction in issued citations.

Verra Mobility will provide comprehensive training to district personnel and local law enforcement to ensure smooth implementation and maximum effectiveness of the stop arm safety program. Both parties aim to implement the program for the beginning of the 2025/2026 school year and will conduct an extensive public awareness campaign for 30 days prior to citations being issued.

Participating school districts’ superintendents are in support of this new initiative.

“The Baldwinsville Central School District has the responsibility to safely transport hundreds of students to and from school, athletic contests and special events every day. The installation of red light stop arm cameras is an additional tool that we can use to enhance our district’s safety measures and protect our students. To have Onondaga County team up with Verra Mobility for this program will send a strong message to motorists to obey school bus safety laws. This initiative not only raises awareness to the dangers of passing a school bus when the stop-arm is extended but it also holds drivers accountable. The safety of our students, whether it’s inside our schools or on our school buses, continues to be our top priority.”
Joseph M. DeBarbieri, Ed.D.,Superintendent of Schools, Baldwinsville Central School District

“Through our program with Onondaga County, we are taking a critical step toward ensuring the safety of our students by installing stop-arm cameras on school buses in partnership with Verra Mobility. These cameras have proven to significantly reduce traffic violations, enhance driver accountability, and ultimately prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. By investing in these innovative safety solutions, we are not only enforcing traffic laws but also fostering a safer environment for our children and the entire community.”
Dr. Donna DeSiato, Superintendent, East Syracuse Minoa Central School District

“The Fabius-Pompey Central School District is dedicated to the safety and well-being of our students and the broader community. As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure student safety during transportation, we are excited to participate in a program with Verra Mobility to install stop arm cameras on our school buses.

We believe this program reflects our district’s values of caring for our students and community. By taking proactive measures to address this safety concern, Fabius-Pompey CSD is demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students and the shared responsibility we all have in keeping them safe. Together, we can create a culture of safety and accountability throughout our community.”
Lloyd L. Peck, Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools, Fabius Pompey Central School District

“The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District is thankful for this opportunity to work with Onondaga County to increase transportation safety for our students, staff, and the community. This program has real potential to help reduce unsafe driving across Central New York and better protect the youngest members of our community.”
Peter Smith, Superintendent, Jamesville-Dewitt School District

“The safety and security of Liverpool Central School District students is our top priority, both in our school buildings and on our school buses. The number of vehicles passing stopped school buses in Liverpool, as well as school districts across Onondaga County, has increased dramatically over the last few years. The addition of stop arm cameras on Liverpool school buses will assist our bus drivers in recording the license plates of those passing our buses illegally, ensuring the safety of students entering and exiting the bus. We are grateful to Verra Mobility and Onondaga County for including the Liverpool Central School District in this program.”
Douglas P. Lawrence, Interim Superintendent, Liverpool Central School District

About Verra Mobility:
Verra Mobility Corporation (NASDAQ: VRRM) is a leading provider of smart mobility technology solutions that make transportation safer, smarter and more connected. The company sits at the center of the mobility ecosystem, bringing together vehicles, hardware, software, data and people to enable safe, efficient solutions for customers globally. Verra Mobility’s transportation safety systems and parking management solutions protect lives, improve urban and motorway mobility and support healthier communities. The company also solves complex payment, utilization and compliance challenges for fleet owners and rental car companies. Headquartered in Arizona, Verra Mobility operates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. For more information, please visit www.verramobility.com.

The post New York’s Onondaga County and Verra Mobility Prioritize Student Safety with One of the State’s Most Extensive School Bus Safety Programs appeared first on School Transportation News.

ELKHART, Ind. – Forest River, Inc., a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles, pontoons, cargo trailers, buses and vans, is proud to announce its recognition as Ford Motor Company’s Top Sold Volume Account in both the Bus and Mobility and Motorhome segments for 2024. This prestigious accomplishment marks the second consecutive year earning this distinction for Forest River RV and continues a remarkable streak for Forest River Bus & Van, which has achieved this milestone every year since 2006.

This achievement underscores the strength of Forest River’s long-standing partnership with Ford and reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative transportation and recreation solutions to customers. Collaborating with Ford has enabled Forest River, Inc. to equip customers with reliable vehicles that offer safety and superior performance.

“We are incredibly honored to once again be recognized as Ford’s top volume account in these key segments,” said David Wright, Co-CEO of Forest River, Inc. “This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our teams. Together, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, ensuring our customers receive the best vehicles on the market.”

“We’re committed to further strengthening our relationship with Ford and continuing to set industry benchmarks in both sectors,” said Doug Gaeddert, Co-CEO of Forest River, Inc. “Forest River and Ford are two trusted names, and together we are building a new level of expectation and performance for our customers.”

About Forest River Inc.
Founded in 1996 by Pete Liegl, Forest River, Inc. has evolved into North America’s largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, cargo trailers, pontoon boats, buses, vans, and commercial vehicles. Its portfolio includes market share leaders in every category, and it is the country’s leading manufacturer of buses and vans for both the private and public sectors. Based in Elkhart, Indiana, Forest River employs 14,000+ employees in 100+ facilities in more than a half dozen states. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on customer satisfaction, Forest River is proud to be a Berkshire Hathaway company.

The post Forest River Recognized as Ford 2024 Top Volume Account in RV, Bus & Van Sectors appeared first on School Transportation News.

SANTA FE, N.M. —The State of New Mexico and GreenPower Motor Company (NASDAQ: GP) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) for an all-electric, purpose-built school bus pilot project to be conducted in New Mexico in school districts across the state. The MOU provides that the state will seek an appropriation of $5 million to conduct the pilot program.

The MOU was signed on Monday in the office of Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham by GreenPower President Brendan Riley and the Economic Development Department (EDD), which has been working with the company to find a service center facility in New Mexico.

The MOU resolves the state support the program with a $5 million capital outlay appropriation for the purchase of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses, installation of charging stations, other resources, and management costs of the pilot, which would begin during the 2025-2026 school year and continue into the 2026-2027 school year.

“The EDD team has been working with GreenPower to identify a location in New Mexico to create a presence for the company in the state and encourage other EV sector supply chain entities to be part of creating a western United States manufacturing Hub,” Economic Development Secretary-Designate Rob Black said. “This MOU and the coming pilot program will showcase the state’s leadership in this industry and how our innovative business climate can help bring these cutting-edge technologies to New Mexico.”

Among the goals of the pilot is to determine viability and reliability of fast charging in different environments and circumstances. The pilot would be available to all school districts on a voluntary basis, with a selection criterion determined by the parties. “New Mexico has an excellent workforce and is a great place for clean energy businesses. We look forward to this pilot project providing the schools an experience with Class 4, Type A and Type D, all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission school buses. The pilot will determine how state and local governments in New Mexico, and the entire Southwest, can be best served as the market expands for clean commercial vehicles, vans, and buses,” Riley said.

After the successful completion of two phases of pilot project, the MOU resolves that the state will seek an additional $15 million for purchasing additional school buses evaluated during the pilot project. The MOU also pledges that the state will work with GreenPower to expand the all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission commercial fleet at the Department of Transportation and the General Services Department.

Monday’s signing comes on the heels of last week’s announcement in Washington, DC of GreenPower signing an MOU with Impact Clean Power Technology S.A., a Poland based manufacturer of batteries that currently supplies more than 20% of the European transit market. The MOU outlined the companies’ commitment to American-made lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the deployment of GreenPower’s medium and heavy-duty vehicles, including its Type D BEAST and Type A Nano BEAST all-electric, purpose-built school buses.

GreenPower Motor Company Inc. (NASDAQ: GP) is a leading manufacturer and distributor of all-electric, purpose-built, zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles serving the cargo and delivery market, shuttle and transit space and school bus sector. GreenPower employs a clean-sheet design to manufacture all-electric vehicles that are purpose-built to be battery powered with zero emissions while integrating global suppliers for key components.

The post EDD and GreenPower Motor Sign Agreement for Zero-Emission Pilot Program and Bus Service Facility appeared first on School Transportation News.

EL DORADO SPRINGS, Mo. – El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools, in partnership with transportation leader First Student, has become the first school district in Missouri, and one of only a few in the country, to transition its entire fleet of regular education bus routes to electric. Today, the district and company held an event to mark the successful deployment of 13 electric school buses (ESBs), which will provide a cleaner, quieter and safer ride for hundreds of students.

“With zero emissions, improved air quality and reduced noise pollution, the deployment of these electric school buses will have an immediate, positive impact on the community,” said First Student Head of Electrification Kevin Matthews. “We appreciate the partnership from

El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools to enhance the bus-riding experience for students. As more districts recognize the long-term benefits of electric school buses, First Student is proud to be leading the charge toward a more sustainable future by embracing this cutting-edge transportation solution.”

The electric school buses are a first for El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools. The ESBs will replace 13 diesel buses in the district’s fleet and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 700,000 pounds each year.

“The transition to electric school buses demonstrates our commitment to sustainable initiatives and support for innovative technologies,” said El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools Superintendent Brad Steward. “These electric school buses will benefit the well-being of our students and the community, setting a positive example for future generations. We are excited to work with First Student on our shared goal of greener, safer and more efficient transportation for our families.”

Funding from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program covered the cost of the electric school buses and charging stations. First Student has secured enough funding from the program to deploy around 1,200 ESBs for school districts across the United States.

First Student has committed to transitioning 30,000 of its diesel buses to electric by 2035 to improve the health and well-being of even more students and communities. The company

currently operates more than 400 electric school buses throughout North America and is close to marking 5 million miles of service with ESBs, expanding its industry-leading position.

About First Student:
As a leading school transportation solutions provider in North America, First Student strives to provide the best start and finish to every school day. With a team of highly trained drivers and the industry’s strongest safety record, First Student delivers reliable, quality services, including full-service transportation and management, special-needs transportation, route optimization, and scheduling, maintenance, and charter services with a fleet of about 40,000 buses. For more information, visit firststudentinc.com.

The post First Student and El Dorado Springs R-2 Schools Deploy New Fleet of Electric School Buses appeared first on School Transportation News.