FURIOUS bus drivers are blasting a fleet overhaul as a waste of money and warn the new rides will fail when the weather gets ugly.
A brand new project rolled out 25 high-tech electric school buses in Compton, California, as part of a green energy push.
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The Compton Unified School District unveiled the flashy new rides, funded by a $25 million taxpayer-funded project, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.
Officials praised the new buses as a win for the school and the environment, according to CW local affiliate KTLA.
“These electric buses are an investment in our students’ future,” Compton Unified School District Superintendent Darin Brawley said in a statement.
However, drivers and parents are raising alarms over whether the EVs can handle long routes, bad weather, and unpredictable conditions.
“We get a lot of power outages where I live. Those buses wouldn’t be able to stay charged in the winter or after a big wind storm,” one driver slammed on Facebook.
“Well, when there is no bus to pick them up because of a breakdown or a power outage, then it will be a waste of money,” one frustrated parent asked.
Drivers have shared worries that the electric buses won’t be able to be charged during electricity blackouts, which are typical in California.
The Golden State often has to turn off power in cities due to Santa Ana winds, which put areas at risk for fires due to their harsh and dry nature.
Officials enforce blackouts to keep winds from blowing trees or debris into equipment, which could spark wildfires.
The temporary outages, called public safety power shufoffs, often occur during scorching summer temperatures when energy consumption is too high.
“And when the bus runs out of electricity on the way to or from school, who will be picking the kids up?” a concerned driver asked.
“Not to mention the electrical rate hikes we will all bear. Make sure they don’t run in in-climate weather conditions!”
Drivers have also questioned whether the buses will be able to handle long routes or unpredictable conditions.
The district’s transportation provider, Durham School Services, teamed up with Highland Electric Fleets to launch the buses, touting them as a step toward cleaner air.
School district’s statement
Compton Unified School District has unveiled new electric school buses as part of a new initiative to become more environmentally friendly.
“Big news! Compton Unified School District (CUSD) has unveiled its first-ever fleet of 25 electric school buses, bringing clean, green transportation to our students!” CUSD shared on Facebook with a statement.
“These buses will hit the road this spring, reducing emissions and promoting a healthier future.
“At today’s ribbon-cutting, CUSD leaders, partners like Highland Electric Fleets, Southern California Edison, Durham School Services, and Thomas Built Buses, and community members celebrated this milestone.
“And there’s more to come—CUSD has secured funding for 25 more EV buses!”
Source: Facebook
Highland Electric Fleets executive Brian Buccella said the initiative is crucial in an area with high asthma rates.
“This is especially important in a county where 1 in 11 children have asthma,” Buccella noted.
Still, drivers remain highly doubtful about the switch.
“It’s another government experiment at our expense,” one driver fumed.
Charging times and maintenance are also major concerns.
Technicians have undergone training on EV maintenance, emergency protocols, and charging procedures, but some fear that won’t be enough.
The district plans to purchase another 25 electric buses soon.
Officials insist the change is for the better, despite pushback.
The new electric buses aim to cut emissions while offering Compton students a quieter, greener way to get to school.
“These buses aren’t just about sustainability,” CUSD Board of Trustees President Micah Ali said.
“They represent innovation and social responsibility, setting an example for our Compton Scholars.”
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