Zeelo and partner operators AirSym and London Hire Community Services have completed the electrification of all three home-to-school services provided for Dwight School London.
Two battery-electric minibuses were recently added, complementing a Yutong TCe12 coach that was bought by AirSym in 2022 to serve the independent educational establishment. Zeelo says such progress sets “a new benchmark for eco-friendly school transport in the UK.”
Since launch of the first electric vehicle, over 50,000 zero-emission student rides have been delivered covering 52,460 miles and eliminating more than 45,500 car journeys. The switch aligns with the school’s vision of providing a modern and sustainable education, says Head of School Chris Beddows.
“We are always looking for ways to inspire our students to think about the world they are inheriting, and our all-electric bus service is a great example of that in action,” he notes.
“With routes running through central London, we feel a responsibility to do our part for the environment, and moving to fully electric transport has been an exciting step forward.”
MP for Hornsey and Friern Barnet Catherine West has visited Dwight School to learn more about the transport programme, meet with staff, students and representatives of Zeelo, and explore how the electric home-to-school fleet is driving positive environmental change in the community.
Zeelo Director of UK Education Luke Ryan believes that Dwight School London is “setting a standard for other educational institutions across the UK” to follow. “At Zeelo, we are proud to support this mission and remain committed to providing efficient, safe and eco-friendly transportation solutions,” adds Mr Ryan.
London Hire Community Services has been proactively gearing up for a shift to zero-emission minibuses “for some time now,” according to Operations Director Neil Donald.
“Through our partnership with Zeelo and Dwight School, we have gained valuable knowledge and remain dedicated to using EVs for home-to-school transport wherever possible.”