Équiterre and Green Communities Canada have announced the launch of the new Canadian Electric School Bus Alliance (CESBA) on the eve of Earth Day. It aims to accelerate the electrification of school buses in Canada, according to a press release.

Canada has set the goal of attaining 100% zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by 2040. CESBA will produce new research and organize educational events that will help set up measurable Canada-wide policies in order to greatly accelerate the electrification of school buses by that year. 

An estimated 2.2 million children take school buses every year in Canada, being exposed to air pollution from diesel-fueled vehicles, which represent 70% of the current school bus fleet.

So far, the following organizations have signed up as participating members: Propulsion Québec, Positive Zero Transport Futures (University of Toronto), Association of School Transportation Services of British Columbia (ASTSBC), Partenariat Canadien pour la santé des enfants et de l’environnement, David Suzuki Foundation, Electric Mobility Canada, Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), the Climate Reality Project Canada, and Bus Carriers Federation. CESBA is encouraging organizations with an expertise or interest in school bus electrification to join the initiative.