Core Insights - The introduction of fully-electric Type B school buses in New Jersey marks a significant step towards sustainable school transportation, benefiting students and communities by reducing air and noise pollution [1][2][3] Company Overview - D&M Tours, Inc. is a major private school bus contractor in northern New Jersey, transitioning to electric buses to enhance sustainability and reduce emissions [13] - Motiv Electric Trucks, founded in 2009, specializes in manufacturing zero-emission electric trucks and buses, contributing to environmental goals and operational cost savings for customers [8][9] - Van-Con, Inc. has a long history in school bus manufacturing, focusing on safety and innovation, and is involved in producing electric school buses for New Jersey districts [11] Project Details - The project involves replacing four aging gasoline buses with electric buses, which will save approximately 3,000 gallons of fossil fuel annually and eliminate over 2 million pounds of tailpipe emissions over 15 years [3][4] - The electric buses are designed to provide a healthier and quieter ride for students, particularly benefiting those with special needs who spend more time on buses [2][5] Economic and Health Benefits - The Electric School Bus Initiative estimates that each electric school bus can save school districts over $100,000 in lifetime fuel and maintenance costs compared to diesel buses [4] - The project aims to improve air quality in communities with high asthma rates, particularly in Paterson, where children under five have a 65% higher asthma rate than the state average [5] Partnerships and Support - The project is supported by various partners, including the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which provided funding, and Climate Change Mitigation Technologies LLC, which managed the project [6][12] - The integration of charging infrastructure and management software enhances operational efficiency for D&M Tours [6] Future Developments - A ribbon-cutting event for the new electric school buses is scheduled for October 28, 2025, highlighting the project's significance in advancing sustainable transportation [7]