Salt Lake City Driver Prefers Electric Bus

Why this is here: Asthma treatment costs in the US reach approximately $50.3 billion in medical expenses each year.

A school bus driver in Salt Lake City, Utah, stated they would not return to driving a diesel bus. The driver recently wrote about the benefits of switching to an electric bus, noting the improved air quality inside the vehicle. Salt Lake City struggles with air pollution, which the American Lung Association links to health problems like asthma and heart attacks.

Diesel exhaust contributes to these issues and carries substantial economic costs. Asthma treatment in the US totals roughly $82 billion annually, with individual patients paying about $3,266 more per year than those without the condition. Electric buses offer a healthier alternative, avoiding tailpipe emissions and potentially reducing energy and maintenance expenses.

The driver also highlighted the possibility of using bus batteries to support the local power grid. While the initial cost of electric buses is often debated, the article argues that factoring in health and environmental costs reveals their overall value. The driver expressed gratitude for the district’s leadership in adopting the technology.