Florida school district offers kids a cleaner ride to school » Yale Climate Connections

For decades, kids have ridden on school buses that burn diesel fuel and belch air pollution that can harm the climate and people’s health. But now, some students in Miami-Dade County are heading to school in an all-electric ride.

The county school district recently purchased 20 electric school buses and is committed to buying 80 more.

The transition to these new buses was spurred by students, teachers, and community organizations.

And school board member Luisa Santos says each electric bus will prevent more than 200 tons of planet-warming carbon pollution during its lifetime.

Santos: “Certainly, there are tons of climate benefits.”

But the advantages go beyond global warming.

Electric buses should lower maintenance costs for the district. And they do not emit tailpipe pollution and particulate matter that can harm people’s health.

Santos: “I’m thrilled about having students breathing the cleanest air on their way to school and away from school.”

What’s more, Santos points out that the new buses are also quieter than the old diesel-powered versions.

Santos: “They are so quiet, which is something that we don’t talk enough about. And I think that helps students have a calm beginning and end to their day.”

Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media

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