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Letter: After driving an electric school bus for 100,000 miles, I would never go back to diesel

With air quality being an ongoing concern in Salt Lake City, especially during the winter months, it feels good to be part of a solution.

FILE - A Lion electric school bus is seen on display in Austin, Texas, Feb. 22, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)

By  Nachol Trone | The Public Forum

 | May 10, 2026, 8:01 a.m.

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For the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a school bus driver in Salt Lake City, helping make sure students arrive at school safely each day aboard the familiar yellow bus. Since 2021, though, my bus has been a little different. It looks the same from the outside, but it’s one of twelve electric school buses in the Salt Lake City School District fleet. 

After logging more than 100,000 miles behind the wheel, I can confidently say I wouldn’t want to return to diesel.

One of the first things you notice about an electric school bus is how quiet it is. The ride is noticeably calmer, and students naturally keep their voices down since they know I can hear them more easily. For me, the reduced noise has made a big difference — my days are more comfortable. 

Another major benefit is the clean, exhaust-free ride. Electric buses don’t produce tailpipe emissions, which makes the environment inside the bus much more pleasant. 

With air quality being an ongoing concern in Salt Lake City, especially during the winter months, it feels good to be part of a solution.

Electric buses have also made a difference during Utah’s cold winters. I can keep the bus warm and comfortable while waiting for students. While colder temperatures do require some extra planning for charging, I’ve found that with a little preparation, the bus easily meets my daily route needs.

I’m grateful that the Salt Lake City School District has taken a leadership role in bringing electric school buses to our community. Driving electric has made my job more enjoyable and comfortable, and it’s rewarding to know I’m helping create a better experience for the students I serve.

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For other schools and drivers considering the switch, I’d say this: Go for it. There’s a learning curve, but once you experience the difference, you may never want to go back. 

Nachol Trone, Salt Lake City