In a significant move toward sustainable student transportation, the Woodland Joint Unified School District (WJUSD) in Woodland, California, has embarked on an ambitious project to integrate electric school buses into its fleet. This initiative, in partnership with RIDE, the California manufacturer and supplier of the new buses, underscores the district’s commitment to environmental stewardship and positions it at the forefront of the green transportation movement within educational institutions.
The journey towards electrification began approximately five years ago when WJUSD recognized the increasing availability of funding for electric vehicles in California. Tony Peregrina, the director of transportation for WJUSD, recalls the initial considerations:
“About five years ago, the funding started flowing into or being made available in the state of California,” he said.
However, the transition was not without its challenges. One of the primary concerns was the limited range of early electric bus models, which posed significant logistical issues for the district’s extensive routes.
“A lot of our routes are over a hundred miles a day,” Peregrina said. “So the limited range that we had available five years ago made it a very scary option for any of us.”
Additionally, the state mandated the decommissioning of older, more polluting buses, requiring them to be destroyed to prevent further environmental impact. This stipulation added another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
To address these challenges, WJUSD undertook a comprehensive planning process in collaboration with RIDE. The district focused on selecting RIDE’s electric bus models that offered maximum range and reliability, ensuring they could meet the demands of daily routes without compromising service quality. Infrastructure development was also a critical component, with the district investing in adequate charging systems to support the new fleet.
Through diligent efforts, WJUSD secured grants and vouchers from the state, facilitating the acquisition of 21 RIDE electric buses.
“The dream is to have 30 buses in our fleet that are electrified and the rest be fossil-fueled just in case,” Peregrina added.
This balanced approach ensures operational resilience, allowing the district to maintain transportation services even in unforeseen circumstances such as power outages.
As of early 2025, WJUSD has made significant strides in its electrification initiative with RIDE. The district celebrated the arrival of its first electric school buses, manufactured and delivered by RIDE, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 22. The event, held at Whitehead Elementary School, marked the beginning of a new era in student transportation for the district.
Currently, the district’s fleet includes two RIDE ‘Dreamer’ Type D electric buses, with ten more expected to arrive soon. Additionally, nine RIDE ‘Achiever’ Type A electric buses are on the way, bringing the total to 21 electric buses. The district plans to have all these buses operational by April 1, 2025.
To optimize the use of the new RIDE electric buses, WJUSD plans to stagger their deployment. Initially, the district will use electric buses three days a week, alternating with fossil-fueled buses on the remaining days. This strategy ensures that all vehicles remain in good working condition and allows the district to assess the performance of the electric buses under various operating conditions.
Training and Adaptation
The transition to RIDE electric buses necessitated comprehensive training programs for both drivers and maintenance staff. Over the past five years, WJUSD personnel have attended various conferences and workshops to familiarize themselves with the fundamentals of electric vehicles. With the arrival of the new RIDE buses, the district has arranged for manufacturer-specific training to ensure staff are well-equipped to operate and maintain the new fleet.
Feedback from the transportation team has been overwhelmingly positive. Drivers appreciate the design and handling of the new RIDE buses, noting features such as improved mirrors, expansive windshields, and a sturdy feel on the road. Maintenance staff are also optimistic, anticipating reduced upkeep due to the simpler mechanics of RIDE electric buses compared to their diesel counterparts.
The Path Toward Full Electrification
By proactively addressing challenges and strategically planning the integration of RIDE electric buses, the district serves as a model for others aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.
As the district continues to expand its electric fleet with RIDE, Peregrina said, it remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and eco-friendly transportation for its students. The successful implementation of this initiative not only benefits the local community but also contributes to global efforts in combating climate change.