The Campbell River School District has its first electric school bus, a step toward reducing the district’s carbon footprint.

SD72 says the new bus, an International PB10E with a capacity of 76 passengers, represents an investment in both student transportation and environmental responsibility.

The electric school bus, which cost $508,781, was made possible through grants from Clean BC and the Zero Emission Transit Fund, and the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s 2022-2023 budget.

Its introduction is part of a broader three-year, three-bus initiative. It’s being tried out on some select in-town routes, as well as for field trips, as drivers familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s operation.

The bus will soon be assigned to the Route 8 Sayward to Campbell River run, while a second electric bus will be designated to Route 5 which serves the north end of town.

The bus has a range of approximately 210 kilometers on a full charge and operates with zero tailpipe emissions.

The district has installed fast-charging level 3 chargers at both the bus garage and Sayward School to ensure the bus can quickly recharge as needed.

To learn more, visit Campbell River School District 72.