Step 4.3: Deploy Electric School Buses

Overview

It’s finally time to get your electric school buses on the road! 

You will need to finalize many of the same steps as for a fossil fuel-burning school bus, such as getting insurance and completing inspections, but these might look slightly different for an electric school bus. 

You will also want to ensure that all your standard operating procedures, handbooks and safety protocols have been updated. For example, you may need to update your pre-trip inspection checklist or inform your towing company of the procedure for towing an electric school bus if you haven’t already.

Things to do:

• Develop pre-trip inspection checklist
• Review warranty procedures
• Complete standard school bus commissioning procedures, such as numbering, obtaining permits and insurance, inspections, etc.
• Finalize route planning and driver training
• Review any applicable transportation information included within student Individual Education Plans with drivers and monitors
• Deploy your electric school bus!

Ways to include equity:

• Inform parents and riders of any school bus changes and new safety protocols
• Inform parents, students and district leadership of any inability to safely accommodate approved transportation accommodations
• Deploy buses based on the prioritized route and driver selection strategy developed using equity criteria
• Consider holding a ceremony or ribbon-cutting for engaged stakeholders to celebrate the collective effort

Questions to consider:

• Is the electric school bus fully tested and ready to go? Were students and drivers involved in the testing process? Has their feedback been reviewed and addressed prior to deployment?
• What legal and regulatory requirements must you comply with before the electric school bus is on the road?
• Do you need to modify or create new standard operating procedures or update school bus driver handbooks or manuals?

Potential stakeholders:

• District transportation director
• District fleet manager
• District facilities manager
• District energy manager
• District dispatch staff
• Students and parents
• School bus contractor (if applicable)
• Drivers and associated union representatives
• Maintenance workers and associated union representatives
• Inspectors

Resources:

• Electric School Bus Vehicle and Charger Commissioning Guide — WRI's Electric School Bus Initiative: This guide will walk you through all the recommended activities for ensuring your new electric school bus and its accompanying charging infrastructure are properly tested, verified and documented.
• How Electric School Bus Owners Can Maximize Battery Performance by Limiting Aging: WRI’s Electric School Bus Initiative: The articles details tips for maximizing battery performance.