Dear Editor,
I write to share a vision — and an idea I am working on — for how we could provide an accessible, higher education solution and a clean air solution right now: The Green Shuttle Initiative, an electric bus shuttle system between CSU Stanislaus Stockton, and Turlock-area communities, to start.
As a resident and student of Stanislaus County, I understand firsthand the major issue of transportation that many students, professors, and staff at CSU Stanislaus deal with. And the Central Valley consistently has some of the worst air quality in the nation, largely because of vehicle pollution. This project tackles both issues by providing an eco-friendly and easy commuting alternative to driving a car on public roads.
Development Plan Overview: For proposed routes, Route 1 would run from Stockton to CSU Stanislaus through the Highway 99 Express, and Route 2 would operate from Turlock to CSU Stanislaus in a loop that includes downtown and student housing. All routes would operate every 30 minutes during peak hours and once an hour in the middle of the day and evenings. Bus and infrastructure costs would include electric buses at $750,000–$900,000 each, and charging stations ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 per station. A starting fleet of 4–6 buses would be necessary to adequately service both routes. The estimated startup cost is between $4–5 million. Annual operating expenses, including drivers, maintenance, and electricity, would be between $1.2–$1.5 million. These figures are drawn from UC Davis and Fresno State, which already have similar electric shuttle programs and have seen real transit success. Funding sources would include state and federal grants for clean energy transportation, relationships with regional transit authorities and air quality districts, and university/city co-investment with transportation or sustainability funds.
Impact on Environment and Society: Each electric bus can reduce CO₂ emissions by more than 230,000 pounds a year, according to the California Air Resources Board. The plan would lead to less traffic and congestion along CSU Stanislaus, and offer greater access for students who come from low-income or car-less households.
Next Steps: The next steps include completing route studies and ridership projections through surveys. A collaborative group of support will be built from some CSU Stanislaus leaders, Modesto and Turlock City Councils, and regional air quality boards. Additionally, a public education campaign will be implemented to educate and involve the public.
Why This Matters: This work directly serves environmental sustainability and educational equity. Students should not have to decide between missing class or not being able to get to class. And we as a region must take bold actions to combat air pollution, which is a danger to the public’s health in all communities. The Green Shuttle Initiative is more than just a hopeful idea — it’s a sensible, scalable plan that can be achieved with cooperation and political leadership. I urge local officials, business owners, and citizens to join in advocating for a cleaner, more connected Stanislaus County.
Thank you for your coverage of solutions that count!
— Nora Yohana
