THREE RIVERS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Three Rivers Public Schools are set to receive two electric school buses this week.
Previously, seven school districts in Michigan were set to receive a total of 17 new electric buses. The new buses are part of a replacement program funded in part by a Volkswagen Mitigation Settlement allocation through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Fuel Transformation Program.
Older diesel fuel buses, which are said to emit harmful fumes, will be replaced through a reimbursement program that will include replacements for diesel-based equipment.
Two of the buses have been awarded to Three Rivers.
“In our District Strategic Plan, we have eight graduate outcomes that we believe will assist our Three Rivers graduates in becoming successful adults,” Superintendent of Three Rivers Community Schools Ron Moag said in a statement. “One of those outcomes is being a socially responsible citizen. I know that by having two electric buses in our fleet, we are modeling that outcome to all of our students and community.”
Three Rivers Community Schools will also be planning to use the energy efficient buses on routes within the city. Officials say that the chosen routes carry about 500 students daily.
Officials add that the new electric buses will be cheaper and easier to maintain, as electricity is cheaper than diesel fuel.
“Three Rivers Community Schools will continue to find additional ways to reduce our carbonfootprint,” Moag said. “Public schools, along with many other sectors of our society, will turn to electric buses as a means to model being a socially responsible citizen, leaving a healthier place to live for generations to come.”
Kalamazoo is currently scheduled to receive one electric bus.
