Tacoma Public Schools adds 14 electric buses in First Student partnership push for cleaner transport

First Student has partnered with Tacoma Public Schools to introduce 14 new electric school buses into the district’s existing fleet.

The deployment, supported by funding from the Washington State Department of Ecology and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is part of an effort to improve air quality and lower long-term transportation costs.

The electric buses will serve approximately 5,000 students who currently rely on First Student’s daily school transportation services in Tacoma. The new vehicles are intended to complement the existing fleet, with the goal of delivering cleaner and quieter rides while reducing the district’s environmental impact.

Funding secured through state and EPA programs

Three of the buses were funded through the Washington State Department of Ecology, while the remaining 11 were supported by the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program. The electric models are expected to reduce maintenance costs and eliminate fuel expenses, freeing up resources that the district plans to redirect toward educational and enrichment programs.

Kevin Matthews, Head of Electrification at First Student, said:

“Our ongoing partnership with Tacoma Public Schools reflects our commitment to building a cleaner, healthier future for the communities we serve. As the industry leader with the most electric buses deployed in North America, we are proud to drive over five million students daily and have already logged nearly six million electric miles. At First Student, one of our core values is to care for students. Electric buses help us meet that goal by providing a smoother, quieter ride that helps students start their day focused and ready to learn.”

Alignment with district sustainability and health priorities

Tacoma Public Schools identified the shift to electric transportation as a way to align operations with its broader strategic goals, including health, safety, and environmental responsibility. The initiative is positioned as a step toward improved student outcomes through reduced exposure to vehicle emissions and a more modernized fleet.

Josh Garcia, Superintendent of Tacoma Public Schools, said:

“Tacoma Public Schools is committed to making environmentally responsible decisions that benefit both our students and the community. Partnering with First Student allows us to enhance our transportation services while reducing our carbon footprint, creating a more sustainable, safe and efficient future for our students and the environment.

“This initiative aligns with our strategic goals by improving health and safety through cleaner air, enhancing operational efficiency with modernized transportation, and strengthening partnerships that support student success. Investing in sustainable solutions ensures a safe learning environment that promotes academic achievement and well-being for all students.”

The announcement was marked by a joint event attended by district officials, environmental agencies, and local partners. Community members had the opportunity to experience an electric bus firsthand. Attendees included representatives from the Tacoma School Board, Clean Air Agency, Tacoma Public Utilities, and the Washington State Department of Ecology.