Washington, DC - Congressman Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-Brooklyn) is pleased to announce today the donation of a pollution free bus to the United Talmudical Academy in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.  Congressman Towns worked with the New York Power Authority, which donated the bus, to ensure that the new vehicle was put to use in Brooklyn. 

“This school is nestled right in the middle of multiple thoroughfares that often get backed up with traffic,” said Congressman Towns.  “This causes additional air pollution that, unfortunately, has led to increased asthma rates in this area.  The electric powered bus produces absolutely no emissions and will hopefully make a difference in local air quality.  In fact, the motor in this bus looks more like the one in your blender then the one in your car.”

The New York Power Authority donated the bus as part of its efforts to improve air quality and demonstrate that battery-powered engines would be a good use for school buses.  The prototype bus was developed with Solectria, a developer and manufacturer of electrically powered automotive systems and Blue Bird, a leading bus manufacturer. 

“The starting and stopping of vehicles is usually the worst culprit in causing air pollution,” continued Congressman Towns. “For buses, this occurs as they travel through residential areas to pick-up and drop-off children.  With this electric bus, you eliminate that problem.”   

The battery-powered bus will replace an existing bus already in use by the school.  It can carry up to 66 students plus the driver.