DISPATCH
In October , the EPA will notify applicants of their selection status , and awardees can proceed with the purchasing of new buses and eligible infrastructure . Applicants not selected by lottery will remain in random order on a waitlist . Eligible applicants include state and local governmental entities responsible for providing bus service to one or more public school systems , or the purchase of school buses . Nonprofit transportation associations , Indian tribes , tribal organizations , tribally controlled schools , or eligible contractors are also considered eligible applicants . According to the EPA , $ 500 million is being made available for 2022 rebates . Half is available for zero-emission school buses , and the other half is available for zero emissions as well as propane and compressed natural gas ( CNG ) buses . The maximum rebate amount per bus will be based on the bus fuel type , the bus size and whether the school district served by the buses meets one or more prioritization criteria .
EPA announces clean school bus funding
The first round of funding for the Environmental Protection Agency ' s ( EPA )
Clean School Bus Program is now available . Beginning immediately , the Joint Office will offer
technical assistance to school districts on electric bus basics , charging equipment , utility connections , bus performance , and operational considerations like routing and maintenance . Technical assistance offered through the Joint Office will provide school districts with the knowledge , tools , and information needed to successfully plan for and deploy clean school buses . In the future , DriveElectric . gov will host additional tools and resources in support of school bus electrification .
ALC Schools becomes EverDriven
ALC Schools , the nation ’ s leading technology-enabled alternative transportation company offering safe , reliable rides for students with special needs , has announced a new name and brand that better aligns with its vision for the future : EverDriven . “ We are very excited that our brand will better convey the heart of our mission ,” said Mitch Bowling , CEO . “ We don ’ t just drive , we ’ re driven – driven to provide safe rides and excellent service to the most vulnerable in our communities . Making sure those with special transportation needs are well taken care of is our passion and our purpose , and we love that our new brand reflects that .”
Since 2005 , ALC Schools has worked directly with school districts across the country to provide transportation and realtime tracking that offers peace of mind to districts , teachers , and parents . Having driven over 21 million safe miles this school year and transported over 10,500 unique students , it has established itself as a leading expert in the alternative transportation industry . As EverDriven , the firm will continue to innovate and grow to meet the demand of its clients . This year alone , EverDriven has added over 2,700 new drivers , enabled and empowered by its proprietary technology that offers unprecedented , streamlined access and visibility for parents , service providers , districts , and drivers . EverDriven ’ s user-friendly technology allows parents and guardians to view updated ETAs based on real-time traffic data and to receive notifications when their student gets picked up and dropped off at home or school . As a safety leader in the student transportation industry , EverDriven utilizes a rigorous screening process to ensure all vehicles and drivers are wellvetted and compliant , aligning technological capacity with its user-centric values . Building on this record , EverDriven looks forward to setting the standard for excellence in safely transporting the most vulnerable members of our community . To help drive these efforts , Courtney Zell has taken the new position of vice president of marketing . “ We are thrilled to have Courtney join our team ,” said Megan Carey , chief development officer . “ Courtney ’ s achievements in the development and execution of marketing strategies and initiatives , as well as her passion for the customer journey , experience , and loyalty , line up exactly with both our mission and vision here at EverDriven .” As the vice president of marketing for EverDriven , Zell will be responsible for improving marketing processes , the public launch of additional product offerings , driver recruitment media and messaging strategy and overall communication strategies . “ I am excited to join a company with such a strong mission that is already making a positive impact on so many families across the country ,” said Zell . “ I can ’ t wait to see how we can bring more mobility and peace of mind to our communities .”
DOE publishes “ Flipping the Switch on Electric School Buses ” technical assistance series
• Electric School Bus Introduction
• Working with Electric Utilities
• Vehicle Requirements
• Charging Infrastructure
• Infrastructure Planning and Solutions
• Vehicle In Use Performance
• Driver and Technician Training
• Cost Factors
• More Resources
12 | SCHOOL-BUSRIDE . COM | JUNE 2022