WLNE: Pawtucket introduces new ‘clean’ electric school buses

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — As part of Children’s Health Month, Pawtucket officials are celebrated the introduction of new electric school buses.

The Environmental Protection Agency, in collaboration with local leaders, unveiled 45 clean school buses across five Rhode Island school districts, with 22 of those buses allocated to Pawtucket.

The electric buses are normally much quieter than traditional diesel-powered ones, but designed to emit more noise when it goes over 20 miles per hour for safety reasons.

During the event Rep. Gabe Amo said he was glad for the initiative’s “impact on student well-being.”

“Students will breathe easier, learn better, and what they’ll do most is thrive,” Amo said.

Sen. Jack Reed noted that the transition to electric vehicles will have broader implications beyond schools, and that reducing reliance on oil and gas could also impact global energy markets.

The buses were part of a $7.63 million investment.