Connect with us

Technology

Zum Recognized by White House for Student Transportation Modernization and Sustainability Efforts

Published

on

Heather Boushey, Chief Economist for the Invest in America Cabinet, Discusses Announcement of $90M for Clean School Buses in California

SAN FRANCISCO, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Heather Boushey, the Chief Economist for the Invest in America Cabinet at the White House, met with executives and staff at Zūm, the leader in modern student transportation.

The visit, which took place at Zum’s San Francisco bus yard, included a tour of Zum’s state-of-the-art facilities, a ride on one of Zum’s electric buses, a meeting with leadership, including Zum Founder and CEO Ritu Narayan as well as a robust roundtable discussion on the importance of the acceleration of the transition to electric school buses with Kevin Gong, EPA Pacific Southwest Region; Lisa Grant Dawson, Oakland Unified School District; Kim Raney, Oakland Unified School District; Arcadio Fokin, San Francisco Unified School District; Garth Saloner, Stanford Graduate School of Business; Dan Lashof, World Resource Institute; Sharon Lai, World Economic Forum; Ram Rajagopal, Stanford Sustainable Systems Lab; Tor Larson, Calstart; and Darlene Chiu Bryant, Global SF.

Boushey highlighted the Biden-Harris Administration’s recent announcement of nearly $90 million across California for clean school buses as part of the Investing in America Agenda.

“We were honored to host Heather Boushey to demonstrate how Zum’s proprietary technology is transforming the $50 billion student transportation industry, providing a revolutionary connected platform, increased safety, and a commitment to equity and sustainability,” Narayan said. “We commend the Administration for its historic investments in the electrification of transportation and supporting our vision of a better, healthier future for our children.”

“Since day one of this Administration, President Biden has committed to growing the economy from the middle-out and bottom-up. He passed historic legislation – the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act – all of which make up his Investing in America agenda,” Boushey said. “And it is rebuilding our infrastructure, lowering costs, and creating opportunities for families, workers, and small businesses. The EPA’s Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition will boost our economy, create good-paying jobs, and improve air quality for children and their families.” 

In January, the EPA announced that Zum would receive over $26.5 million through the EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. The grant will help Zum’s school district partners electrify their school bus fleets. Additionally, Zum recently announced a $140 million funding round that will be used to accelerate the expansion of Zum’s AI-driven technology platform, a key tool in the company’s effort to fully decarbonize the school bus industry and provide schools with advanced technology to deploy more sustainable mobility options.

Thousands of schools across the country have partnered with Zum for school transportation, including Los Angeles Unified School District, the second-largest district in the country; San Francisco Unified School District; Seattle Public Schools; Howard County Public Schools; Oakland Unified School District; and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

In San Francisco, students, schools and families are experiencing the benefits of Zum:

98% of Zum’s buses arrive on time.Bus occupancy and ridership is at an all time high, an average 80%.The amount of time students spend on the bus has been reduced by 25%. This ensures students get more rest in the morning and participate in important after school activities.The school district has saved $3 million per school year – $15 million over the course of a five-year contract. These are resources that can go back into the classroom and after school activities and academic programs.The bus fleet size has been reduced by 20%. This drives down the environmental impact by having fewer diesel buses on the road.Above all, with the recent EPA Clean School Bus Program and State of California grants, Zum is able to expand its electric fleet and infrastructure in San Francisco and Oakland Unified. With over 280 electric chargers installed, and up to 120 electric school buses arriving in the coming school year, Zum is pacing towards its goal of transitioning San Francisco Unified School District and Oakland Unified School Districts to fully electric fleets by the end of the 2026-2027 school year.

“Clean school buses are a win for our students, our community health, and for our planet. In Oakland, we are all in for the green economy, with equity leading the way to better jobs, cleaner air, and climate progress,” Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, “Federal bipartisan infrastructure funding has helped us leverage State and regional funding to build green energy, improve public transportation and maritime and shipping operations, and add jobs. Oakland values its partnership with the Biden Harris administration to keep enhancing our clean and green community.”

“The work Zum has been doing in our community has been invaluable to the health and well-being of Oakland,” said Superintendent Dr. Kyla Johnson-Trammell. “We have partnered with Zum since the beginning because we saw the potential. The quiet, green buses get our students to school ready to learn, and they are improving the air quality of our city dramatically. That is good news for our students, families, staff, and all city residents. Oakland has long dealt with poor air quality because of the proximity to freeways and other sources of pollution. OUSD is thrilled that we can do our part to cut down on dirty air by using Zum buses to transport our students. We look forward to working with state and federal leaders to increase the use of this kind of transportation here and across the country.”

Founded and led by a first-generation immigrant and mother, Ritu Narayan, Zum is reimagining the yellow school bus system.

On top of transitioning to EV fleets, Zum has pioneered vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology that will send stored energy from EV school buses back to the city’s electrical grid. V2G at scale will lower peak energy demands, eliminate the need for costly and pollutive peaker plants and reduce the health risks associated with diesel buses. 

To learn more about how Zum is working with thousands of schools across the nation to deliver safe, reliable, zero-emission, and modern student transportation, please visit Zum’s website.

About Zum:
Zum has reimagined student transportation, the nation’s largest mass transit system, and developed sustainable ways to charge the grid. Zum’s robust operations and integrated end-to-end cloud-based platform provides a modern student transportation service for school districts purpose-built around the needs of kids and the expectations of modern families. Zum provides one seamless, real-time interface for parents, drivers, schools, districts, administrators, and operators to transport children safely and with increased visibility and personalized care. Always investing in the wellbeing of communities, Zum is also the only carbon neutral student transportation provider in the nation with plans to go Net Zero with its transition to EV electric buses. Zum is available nationwide, serving more than 4,000 schools across the U.S. Learn more at www.ridezum.com.

CONTACT:
Jenny Mayfield, Vice President of Communications – press@ridezum.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/zum-recognized-by-white-house-for-student-transportation-modernization-and-sustainability-efforts-302079228.html

SOURCE Zūm

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Niutech at the Forefront: U.S.-China Circular Economy Forum Tackles “White Pollution”

Published

on

By

BEIJING, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On September 6, 2024, the inaugural U.S.-China Circular Economy Cooperation Forum was held in Beijing. The forum, guided by the U.S.-China Climate Action Working Group Circular Economy Task Force, was co-organized by the China Circular Economy Association and the US-China Business Council. The forum brought together approximately 460 distinguished guests from the National Development and Reform Commission of China, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Commerce, the General Administration of Market Regulation, the US State Department, the US Department of Energy and other government departments, as well as industry experts, business representatives and scientific research institutions of the two countries. As the domestic leader in continuous pyrolysis technology, Niutech was invited by the China Circular Economy Association to attend the forum and gave an insightful speech on the topic of waste plastic recycling, and the issues of ‘white pollution’ that can result from it.

Enhancing Quality and Efficiency in the Circular Economy with Innovative Forces

The forum was strategically designed to advance the goals outlined in the U.S.-China “The Sunnylands Statement on Enhancing Cooperation to Address the Climate Crisis” (hereinafter referred to as the Sunnylands Statement). It aimed to create a collaborative platform for the business community, social organizations, and research institutions from both countries to foster exchanges and drive tangible cooperation in the circular economy.  

Zhao Chenxin, Deputy Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, John Podesta, Senior Advisor to the U.S. President on International Climate Policy, Liu Zhenmin, China’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs, Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China, and Xie Zhenhua, former Special Envoy for Climate Change Affairs of China, attended the opening ceremony of the Forum and delivered a speech, and Xie Feng, Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., made a video message. Deputy Director Zhao Chenxin said that addressing climate change is a common cause for all mankind and cannot be separated from the cooperation between the two global forces, China and the United States.

The China-US Circular Economy Cooperation Forum, held as an initiative to implement the Sunnylands Statement, marked another significant milestone in China-US cooperation on the circular economy. This collaboration is crucial for both nations as they join forces to tackle the climate crisis. On the afternoon of September 6, the forum organized four parallel meetings, where representatives engaged in in-depth exchanges on topics such as using the recycling economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promoting the application of recycled materials, addressing plastic pollution and enhancing recycling, and increasing the recycling value of waste in the context of new industries and consumption patterns.

Niutech: International Experts on Continuous Pyrolysis Technology and Pioneers in solving the global “white pollution” problem

Globally, hundreds of millions of tons of waste plastics are generated annually, yet only about 30% undergo recycling. Traditional physical methods are typically limited to high-value, single-category, and relatively clean waste plastics. However, repeated recycling can degrade the quality of the plastics. Chemical recycling, on the other hand, offers a transformative approach by converting waste plastics into high-value products or fuels through chemical processes, thus overcoming the limitations of physical recycling.

Pyrolysis technology, a cornerstone of chemical recycling, addresses the challenges associated with the material recycling of waste plastics. It is adept at processing various types of low-value, mixed, and contaminated waste plastics. The products of pyrolysis can be further processed to manufacture new plastics, achieving a closed-loop system where waste plastics are repurposed into high-value new plastics. This not only retains the material’s utility at a high level but also converts “white pollution” into a “white oil field,” signifying a major shift in the management and valorization of plastic waste.

At the forum, as the international expert in continuous pyrolysis technology, the corporate representative of Niutech shared the cases of waste plastic chemical recycling projects deployed with international giants BASF and Quantafuel in Denmark, Thailand and other countries. Niutech has developed its own pyrolysis technology and equipment, which they fully own the intellectual property rights to. This technology enables the transformation of low-value, mixed, and contaminated waste plastics—including various polymers such as PP, PE, PS, ABS—into high-quality fuel oil.  

The fuel oil derived from this process can undergo further refining into naphtha, a critical raw material in the production of new plastics. This advanced recycling process not only diverts plastics from landfills and the environment but also contributes to a circular economy by turning waste into a valuable resource.

In the future, Niutech will continue to champion the principle of “green, recycling and low-carbon” waste plastics pyrolysis. Armed with advanced technology, reliable equipment, abundant high-value solutions and proven experience, Niutech is committed to enhancing communication and cooperation with domestic and foreign partners. Together, they will drive forward the chemical recycling of waste plastics and the sustainable development of the global waste plastics recycling industry.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/niutech-at-the-forefront-us-china-circular-economy-forum-tackles-white-pollution-302254665.html

SOURCE Niutech

Continue Reading

Technology

Global Ultrasound Institute Launches GUSI Fellowships Platform: Elevating Point-of-Care Ultrasound Education

Published

on

By

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Global Ultrasound Institute (GUSI) is proud to announce the launch of the GUSI Fellowships Platform, an innovative online platform designed to empower learners around the world to achieve confidence and competency in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). With a holistic, device-independent approach that includes comprehensive evidence-based education, personalized mentorship from world-class POCUS educators, detailed scan review feedback, quantitative assessments, and CME certification, GUSI is setting a new standard in POCUS education.

“GUSI’s online didactics are the best that I have seen. And what I like most about the fellowship were the 1:1 sessions and being able to interact with GUSI expert faculty who have many years of experience in POCUS. And you get to pick their brains and they get to instruct you 1:1. I have used the training I received from GUSI to do much more POCUS clinically and further impact my patients lives.”

Dr. James Wilcox,
Assistant POCUS Director, Indiana University School of Medicine
Adjunct Professor and Assistant Professor of Medicine

“Our mission at GUSI is to democratize access to high-quality ultrasound training,” said Dr. Kevin Bergman and Dr. Mena Ramos, Co-CEOs of Global Ultrasound Institute. “The GUSI Fellowships Platform enables learners from diverse backgrounds to enhance their skills in a supportive, flexible environment, making it easier than ever to reach their POCUS goals.”

With training options covering 38 different scan types, learners can expect personalized 1:1 mentorship with expert POCUS educators who provide timely feedback on practice scans.

“The GUSI fellowship mentors are the best: patient, kind, knowledgeable, experienced, and supportive. GUSI provided education in the areas I wanted and needed to obtain and in my home/office environment not requiring multiple trips around the country. It is not just the way course work is presented – learning is made easier by the support provided to each student.”

Dr. Glenda Patterson
Core Faculty, University of Arkansas Northwest Internal Medicine Residency
Physician, Veterans Health Care of the Ozarks
Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine

The GUSI Fellowships Platform features a scalable software system designed to monitor and track performance, ensuring learners can effectively measure their progress.

GUSI understands the challenges faced by healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their ultrasound skills amid demanding schedules. GUSI addresses these concerns with flexible scheduling options, allowing learners to progress at their own pace while balancing their professional and personal commitments. This adaptability and virtual experience is crucial for fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

“I went from not being able to hold the probe to someone who can scan and diagnosing and finding pathologies. I worked with Dr. Milne-Price and she was amazing! She sharpened my skills and we did sessions of live scanning over Zoom. I feel confident in my skills now to scan on my own.”

Dr. Dalea Al-Hawarri
Faculty, Bryn Mawr Family Medicine Residency

As healthcare continues to evolve, the demand for proficient ultrasound practitioners has never been greater. GUSI is not only committed to providing exceptional education but also aims to inspire a new generation of healthcare professionals who can leverage POCUS to improve patient outcomes globally. Join us in this exciting journey towards excellence in ultrasound practice.

For more information on GUSI Fellowships and to start your journey toward ultrasound proficiency, visit https://globalultrasoundinstitute.com/.

About Global Ultrasound Institute:

Global Ultrasound Institute stands at the forefront of point-of-care ultrasound, providing wraparound education, training, AI, and administrative software tools to healthcare providers and health systems globally to lower barriers to POCUS adoption and implementation. GUSI has trained over 14,000 healthcare practitioners in over 60 countries. GUSI is working to create a better world in which every healthcare practitioner is empowered to offer a rapid, reliable, accurate ultrasound-enabled diagnosis directly at the point-of-care, for any patient, anywhere.

For more information about GUSI Fellowships or any of GUSI services, please visit https://globalultrasoundinstitute.com/

Contact:

Dr. Kevin Bergman, Co-Founder, co-CEO, Global Ultrasound Institute
Dr. Mena Ramos, Co-Founder, co-CEO, Global Ultrasound Institute

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-ultrasound-institute-launches-gusi-fellowships-platform-elevating-point-of-care-ultrasound-education-302254656.html

SOURCE GLOBAL ULTRASOUND INSTITUTE

Continue Reading

Technology

Keuka College Notifies Individuals of Data Security Incident

Published

on

By

KEUKA PARK, N.Y., Sept. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Keuka College has learned of a data security incident that may have involved personal information.

On April 25, 2024, the College identified suspicious activity within its network environment and immediately took steps to secure the environment, restore its systems, and began an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the issue. Keuka College also engaged independent cybersecurity specialists to assist with the process. The comprehensive investigation, which concluded on August 21, 2024, could not determine definitively whether personal information related to current and former students and employees was affected.

Keuka College maintains a variety of records which can include: name, Social Security number, Driver’s license number, student id number, financial account information, and date of birth. Current students and employees were contacted by the College in May and provided with one year of free credit and identity monitoring services.

Keuka College has established a toll-free call center to answer questions about the incident and address related concerns. Call center representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm Eastern Time and can be reached at 1-833-913-7557. Please be prepared to provide the engagement number, B131983, for reference.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keuka-college-notifies-individuals-of-data-security-incident-302254623.html

SOURCE Keuka College

Continue Reading

Trending