CONTACT: Shannon Haber
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 17, 2022
Twenty Four Charging Stations Added to Enhance Los Angeles Unified Electric Bus Fleet
Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 17, 2023) – The Board of Education today approved the addition of 24 new electric charging stations to further support Los Angeles Unified’s electric bus fleet — six charging stations will be added at the Sun Valley yard and 18 stations at Gardena yard. The program is a significant investment to transform bus transportation in Los Angeles Unified and aligns with the 2022-26 Strategic Plan to modernize infrastructure for operational effectiveness.
“Los Angeles Unified is doing its part to reduce its carbon emissions and help combat the existential crisis of climate change,” Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho said. “The new charging stations will help the District support its current electric buses and allow us to scale the number of buses to serve current and future students. Our electric bus fleet will streamline and enhance student safety and transportation, while also incorporating an ecologically sustainable practice into the District’s operations.”
“Getting our kids to school on time, with clean power, and with greater efficiency is an all around win,” Board President Jackie Goldberg said. “I fully support LAUSD EV stations.”
“As always, one of our priorities is that students attend school safely and on time,” Board Vice President Scott M. Schmerelson said. “By having our own EV chargers our drivers would maximize the time spent on the road. In the long run, this is a very good investment that will support the District and our environment.”
“I am excited that we are moving forward with EV stations that are environmentally beneficial,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna III said. “Charging our buses with ‘green power’ supports our agenda of moving toward sustainable energy.”
“As LA Unified works to meet our ambitious sustainability commitments, this investment in new charging stations is a good step toward ensuring the successful electrification of our bus fleet,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We will continue to push for the District to lead the way to a greener future for our kids, families, and school communities.”
“Through investing in charging stations to electrify our bus fleet we are investing in the health and wellness of our environment and our community.” Board Member Tanya Ortiz Franklin said. “We must continue to move our District toward energy efficiency investments and prioritize charging stations in areas most impacted by historic environmental injustices.”
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