Zūm deploys electric school buses in San Francisco

San Francisco, September 3, 2026, Zūm, a leader in modern student mobility, has initiated the deployment of electric school buses for the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD), marking a significant milestone in the district’s transition to an all-electric fleet. The first buses have already begun service, with additional vehicles to be phased in over the fall as they become available from the manufacturer.

This rollout follows years of extensive testing and refinement of electric school bus technology. Zūm began testing electric buses in 2022, gathering valuable real-world operating experience, particularly in San Francisco's unique terrain and weather conditions. The company has invested considerable effort to ensure that the electric buses meet the district's needs and operate efficiently.

"Getting students to and from school safely and on time is our top priority," said Ritu Narayan, Founder and CEO of Zūm. "Our commitment to sustainability and clean energy is integral to this transition. We've spent years testing and improving our approach to electrification to ensure that the electric buses meet the specific requirements of the San Francisco community."

San Francisco’s unique operating environment presented significant challenges. Zūm conducted thorough testing and evaluation of multiple electric school bus configurations to find the best fit for the district. "This milestone is the result of years of collaboration and hard work," said Tomas Beccar-Varela, Transportation Director of SFUSD. "Seeing these buses in action is an exciting moment, as we build a cleaner and more modern mobility system that benefits our students, families, and the broader community."

For the professional drivers who transport SFUSD students daily, the transition to electric buses represents a significant improvement. Zūm has worked closely with drivers, providing them with training and hands-on experience before the buses went into service. "This transition is about much more than a new bus," said Paul Ahn, General Manager of Zūm San Francisco. "It's about ensuring our drivers are prepared and equipped to provide the best possible service."

Drivers are enthusiastic about the change. "It’s thrilling to see our fleet take this next step," said Angela Watson, Vice President of SMART Local 1741 and a San Francisco school bus driver for 26 years. "These electric buses are quieter, cleaner, and better for everyone. We're excited to be part of this new effort to improve school days for students across San Francisco."

The rollout is supported by significant investment in the physical and technology infrastructure required to operate an electric school bus fleet at scale. Charging stations and supporting infrastructure are already in place, ready to accommodate the additional buses as they arrive. The electric buses will also be integrated with Zūm’s unified, AI-powered operating system, Zum CMX™, which connects routing, dispatch, drivers, schools, families, safety, and operations in real time.

"This is the future of student mobility," Narayan said. "It is safer, smarter, cleaner, and more connected. We're focused on ensuring that every student in San Francisco can safely arrive at school and return home on time, ready to learn."

Zūm’s initiative underscores its commitment to modernizing student mobility and reducing the environmental impact of school transportation. The company has already supported more than 6,500 schools in 19 states through its Zum CMX system, which coordinates and coordinates people, vehicles, and operations in real time.

With the deployment of electric school buses, Zūm and SFUSD are leading the way in transforming the school transportation system, setting a new standard for sustainability and innovation.