Diesel buses exhaust pollutants that lead to asthma, cancer and other respiratory illnesses in students. Diesel exhaust is so dangerous that the World Health Organization has named it a known carcinogen. Pollutants from diesel-burning buses and their heaters can stay in the cabin of the vehicle, increasing students’ exposure on their ride to school.

Propane-burning school buses also emit pollution, though at levels slightly less than current diesel models. However, the exhaust gases from propane still include dangerous toxins that can cause asthma, respiratory disease, heart disease, cancer and other mental and physical health problems.

Young students are closer to the height of the tailpipe, meaning they more directly breathe this exhaust. Developing brains are especially susceptible to inhaling air pollution. Their small lungs take more breaths per minute, also amplifying exposure to pollutants.

School buses are intended to provide safe and secure rides for all children. This is especially important for kids with disabilities. Roughly 15% of K-12 students — more than 7 million kids — have a disability, and for many of them school buses are their only means of getting to school. 

Alongside difficulties with features such as ramps and wheelchair tie-downs, many students deal with stimulation sensitivities from the diesel engine's noise, vibrations, and smell. The quieter ride on electric school buses gives students an easier opportunity to talk with each other without yelling, better serving as an extension of the classroom. And the reduced noise allows for easier listening and communication between the driver and students, and awareness of external sounds, alleviating safety concerns and overstimulation.

Research has found that students with disabilities and students of color experience longer commutes to school than white and nondisabled students. This not only increases the amount of time kids spend in uncomfortable riding conditions, but also exposes students and drivers to higher levels of harmful pollutants.

Electrifying the BPS school bus fleet will work to eliminate tailpipe emissions, address air quality and noise concerns, offer a healthier work environment for bus drivers and monitors, and potentially offer taxpayers a cost savings over the entire bus life cycle.