July 14, 2026 – Team Duval is now home to 36 new electric school buses, thanks to federal funding made available through the Clean School Bus Program. Because the buses were acquired entirely through grant funding, the district incurred no costs. 

“We are excited to have these new buses on the roads contributing to a better experience and environment for our students, families, and the greater community,” said Chayla Ferguson, Director of Transportation. “Knowing that we can experience the benefits of electric vehicles at no additional cost to our taxpayers is a bonus.” 

The district added a total of 36 electric buses through its transportation vendors—10 with Student Transportation of America (STA) and 26 with Durham. District leaders say the buses offer a wide range of benefits for students, drivers, and the community, including: 

• Reduced noise and improved air quality around schools, bus stops, and neighborhoods along routes

• The ability to store energy and support the electrical grid

• Regenerative braking, which reduces driver fatigue by providing smoother slowing and stopping

• Lower long-term maintenance needs

• Advanced safety features, including Full Stability Systems that help prevent rollovers, collisions, and loss of control

• Faster responsiveness and smoother acceleration

• Quieter operation, allowing drivers to better hear what's happening inside and outside the bus

“Electric buses are four times quieter than diesel buses. As a result, bus drivers can hear their surroundings more clearly, and students have a more comfortable trip,” said Ferguson. “Research also shows that student behavior can improve on electric school buses because of the quieter environment.” 

To prepare for the rollout, both STA and Durham have provided specialized training and onboard instruction for drivers, maintenance staff, and other employees who may work with the new buses. The electric buses will be in service on the Northside, Downtown, at the Beaches, and in Arlington. 

 “As these buses enter service, we're excited about the long-term impact they'll have for our students, our employees, and our community,” Ferguson said. “This investment allows us to provide safe, reliable transportation while embracing technology that will benefit Team Duval for years to come.”