Lake Shore has been implementing a zero emissions electric bus into its rotation of school buses in use by the district. So far, the vehicle is receiving good reviews from students and the community.

After the initial reaction from the community adjusting to the new vehicle, now people are interacting with it just like any other bus, the district says.

The driver of the bus also told the district they are pleased with the vehicle.

Currently the bus is dedicated to a specific bus route running in operation Monday – Friday mornings and afternoons.

Submitted Photos courtesy of Lake Shore Central School District Local first responders recently attended an Emergency Response Training with the new Lake Shore electric bus at the district’s transportation building.

The vehicle was purchased through a New York State Energy & Research Development grant. As part of the Beneficiary Mitigation Plan prepared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, actions were taken to offset the excess emissions from Volkswagen vehicles in violation of emission standards. Settlement funds contributed to the purchase of the bus for $340,000. Electric buses cost approximately $200,000 more than a conventional diesel school bus, which typically costs around $125,000, according to the Lake Shore school district.

According to the district, the main purpose for the zero emissions vehicle is to provide safe, efficient student transportation. The district’s top priority is to increase the safety of students and staff just by being zero emissions.

To date, mechanics staff, drivers, attendants and first responders have undergone training on how to safely operate the vehicle, how to properly service it and how to handle the vehicle in and during emergency situations. The district has ensured that everyone is trained in the operation of this vehicle.

“With our first electric bus now on the road … we want to be sure first responders know what to do to protect themselves and those in the vehicle if there is an accident. They will be ready for whatever they may need to respond to,” said Superintendent Dan Pacos.

The bus performs differently than a traditional bus, so there is a learning curve at first. The performance and acceleration are more abundant — the district compares it to driving a vehicle with a clutch. It has a regenerative braking system, which charges the battery through braking. Drivers can also grade themselves on whether they are making energy or discharging energy as they drive.

While still in the first quarter of the school year, Lake Shore remains monitoring its performance closely. So far, it’s exceeded expectations economically, but the district wants to look at it again in six to 12 months to assess performance during the cold weather months.