The Reading School District has become the first school district in Berks County, Pennsylvania to approve the transition to electric school buses, marking a major step toward cleaner, more sustainable transportation for students.
During its February meeting, the district’s Board of Directors approved, through its transportation partner Zum Services, Inc., the transition of 25 diesel-powered buses to new electric school buses, as early as the 2026-2027 school year.
Construction will begin this spring to install charging stations, on the site Zum currently operates, that will support the deployment of the 25 electric buses. The transition is being made possible through funding provided by the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean School Bus Program, which awarded the district an $8.985 million grant to deploy zero-emission electric school buses.
Each bus will be equipped with advanced technology designed to improve air quality, reduce emissions, and enhance the rider experience. Electric buses also offer significantly lower maintenance costs compared with traditional diesel vehicles.
The project underwent careful evaluation for both financial and technical value, including the operational performance of electric buses in winter climates like Reading’s. Electric buses provide strong heating and cooling performance and are designed and tested to operate safely in cold, snowy, and icy conditions, similar to traditional buses.
On March 6, district leadership and members of the School Board participated in a demonstration ride that included stops at Reading High School and the district’s Innovation Academy, providing an opportunity to experience the technology firsthand.
The Reading School District does not own its bus fleet. Student transportation is provided through five contracted partners, Zum Services, Durham School Services, Berks County Intermediate Unit, Atlas Transportation, and the South Central Transit Authority, each of which owns, operates, and maintains its own vehicles serving the district.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility while continuing to provide safe, reliable transportation for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Khalid N. Mumin.
The district looks forward to the arrival of the buses and the positive impact they will bring to students and families across Reading.