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First Student, the leading provider of student transportation in North America, has driven five million miles in electric school buses, marking a significant milestone in sustainable transportation. This achievement reinforces their position as an industry leader, showcasing the rapid growth of their electrification efforts and the widespread adoption of electric school buses. These buses provide quieter, safer, and healthier rides for students while reducing environmental impact. Key to this success is First Charge, an innovative above-ground charging solution that has transformed school bus electrification by making it more accessible and cost-effective.
Key Highlights
- Rapid Growth: First Student reached five million miles just months after hitting four million, with six million miles expected soon.
- Beyond Sustainability: Electric school buses offer quieter operation, enhanced safety features, and healthier air quality for students and communities.
- Innovative Charging Solution: First Charge reduces installation costs and enables fast deployment, even in cold climates.
- Industry Recognition: First Student earned the BIG Award For Green Product Of The Year and the 2025 Edison Award for its sustainable efforts.
“Surpassing five million electric miles is another incredible milestone for our team and the communities we serve,” said First Student CEO John Kenning. “At First Student, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, embracing innovation and teamwork to drive meaningful progress. Electrification is key to our mission of providing the safest, cleanest, and most efficient transportation for students. With First Charge, we are making school bus electrification more accessible, accelerating the transition to a sustainable future, and ensuring children experience quieter and healthier rides to school.”
“Every electric mile driven means reduced emissions, cleaner air, and a safer ride for students,” said Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student. “We are proud to lead the industry in electric school bus adoption and will continue to develop cutting-edge solutions that enable districts to transition quickly and cost-effectively.”
Milestones and Momentum
The five million electric miles milestone equates to over 10,000 cross-country trips across the U.S., demonstrating the scale of First Student’s efforts. This rapid progress reflects their commitment to reducing emissions and improving student transportation, with plans to surpass six million miles in the near future.
Benefits of Electric Buses
Electric school buses deliver more than environmental benefits. Their quiet operation reduces noise pollution, creating a calmer experience for students and neighborhoods. Advanced safety features enhance protection, while the elimination of diesel emissions improves air quality, supporting healthier communities.
First Charge: A Game Changer
First Charge has been pivotal in First Student’s electrification success. This above-ground EV charging solution eliminates costly trenching, cuts installation time, and adapts to various climates, making it easier for school districts to adopt electric fleets efficiently.
Award-Winning Leadership
First Student’s dedication has earned them prestigious accolades, including the BIG Award For Green Product Of The Year and the 2025 Edison Award. These awards recognize their innovative approach to scalable, clean transportation solutions.
About First Student
As North America’s top school transportation provider, First Student serves 5.5 million students daily with a fleet of about 45,000 buses. In the 2024-25 school year, they will complete 1 billion student trips, offering services like fleet electrification, special-needs transportation, and route optimization, all while prioritizing safety and sustainability.
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