Ithaca City School District adds two electric buses

ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The Ithaca City School District (ICSD) has moved closer to its goal of an all-electric-bus fleet.

Two zero-emission school buses were added last week. Both had their inaugural trips, transporting students participating in a summer program. In April last year, New York State passed a law requiring all new school buses purchased to be zero-emission by 2027, with all operating buses required to be electric by 2035.

In addition to producing no toxic exhaust, the buses come equipped with integrated child seats, lap-shoulder belts, video, live GPS, wireless connectivity, and LED lights and signs.

“Being a diesel/gas school bus driver for the past 14 years, I’m happy to be a part of the ICSD’s transition to electrifying the fleet,” said ICSD bus driver and DMV-certified 19-A trainer for bus drivers Michael Friedman. “Over the past few days, I have been driving the new bus with students and it’s been an overall positive experience. The electric bus is quiet and drives smoothly. There are no emissions, so overall it’s safer for the children we transport.”