Two new fully electric buses have arrived to enhance Nanaimo Ladysmith Public School's fleet. (NLPS)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

new buses

Nanaimo-Ladysmith school district adds to electric bus fleet

Jan 27, 2022 | 5:08 PM

NANAIMO — Fully electrifying Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools’ bus fleet appears within reach over the next several years.

The seat belt-equipped fleet now stands at four after the arrival of two new vehicles to the region.

Secretary-treasurer Mark Walsh said the cleaner running buses are well received by their drivers.

“It drives nice, it’s smooth, it’s quiet. One other benefit of course is all of our new buses have seat belt, drivers and families are happy with that.”

The District is on the hook for around a quarter of the capital costs of the $400,000 buses, which are heavily subsidized through the province.

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District 68 received it’s first two low maintenance electric buses in May of last year.

Three of the buses are standard long 72 seat vehicles, while one of the new ones is a 24 seat vehicle.

Walsh said the buses will provide measurable financial and environmental benefits.

“It really shows a movement toward electrification. We’re going to see meaningful GHG (greenhouse gas emission) reduction with respect to this. We’re hopeful to get two more this year and two more after that.”

Walsh said the district can apply to the province to replace traditional older diesel fueled buses with electric units based on kilometere usage.

The District has a fleet of 27 buses, with five spare diesel vehicles.

In the coming months District maintenance van will also be fully electric.

Four charging stations with expandable potential to ten are in place at their offices off Wakesiah Ave., Walsh said.

The District’s longe range facilities plan adopted last year pledged to eventually transition its entire diesel powered buses and maintenance vehicle fleet to electric vehicles.

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