Press Releases

ACES Unveils First Full-Size Electric School Bus in Connecticut

October 18th, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(North Haven, CT – October 18th, 2021): Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) unveiled the first full-size electric school bus in Connecticut at an event on Friday, October 15th at the ACES Transportation headquarters at 60 United Drive in North Haven. The electric vehicle (EV) and the associated charging infrastructure was made possible by matching funds awarded to ACES under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

DERA grants, which are funded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), support the state’s efforts to reduce diesel pollution by replacing older diesel-powered medium- and heavy-duty vehicles with cleaner alternatives. Through the DERA grant, ACES Transportation replaced their older Class V diesel school bus with a 2021 Blue Bird electric-powered equivalent. The diesel bus will be removed from ACES’ fleet and destroyed.  To further demonstrate the organization’s commitment to improve air quality and create healthier transportation options for their student population, ACES will install solar panels at the United Drive facility to provide clean power to the school bus and, eventually, its entire fleet of student transport vehicles.

“ACES Transportation is very fortunate and grateful to have received a grant from DEEP towards the purchase of a new seventy-one passenger electric school bus,” said Rosemarie Arma, ACES Director of Transportation. “Making this transition to a 100% electric-powered school bus and fleet will provide our students and their communities with cleaner air, resulting in numerous health benefits. The vehicle produces zero emissions and is much quieter than a diesel-powered engine, providing a better overall experience for students. We are very proud to own one of the most innovative vehicles in pupil transportation.”

 “We are excited to move forward with this project to provide our students with a safe, clean and efficient ride to and from school every day,” said Timothy Howes, Deputy Executive Director of ACES. “This project advances our goals of reducing emissions and modernizing our fleet. ACES is committed to implementing this project to benefit our children and our environment in the Greater New Haven community.”

Speakers at the event included Tracy Babbidge, Bureau Chief at DEEP; Mike Freda, First Selectman of North Haven; Jeremy Johnston, Sales Manager at School Lines Bus; Craig Finley, Regional Account Manager at Blue Bird; and Brendan Sharkey, Owner of AmeriZone.

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About ACES: 
Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) is the regional educational service center for New Haven and parts of Middlesex Counties. Established in 1969, ACES strives each day to fulfill its vision of creating an equitable and socially just world, one life at a time. ACES serves its members districts and others through an ever-growing array of programs, services and schools that meet the needs of a changing educational landscape. As a school district, ACES operates three magnet and eight special education schools. ACES services range from transportation, professional development and school improvement services, technology, translation, international, security, and occupational and physical therapy. ACES operates the Open and Magnet School Parent Choice programs for New Haven County. Its programs include a federally funded Early Head Start Program and ACES ACCESS, a vocational and life skills program for developmentally and physically disabled adults ages 21 and older. For more information, go to www.aces.org.