Wilkes County Schools Pioneers All-Clean Bus Fleet in Georgia

Wilkes County Schools (WCS) has made a groundbreaking leap forward in sustainable transportation by becoming the first school district in Georgia to operate an entirely clean school bus fleet. All 25 daily bus routes are now exclusively served by zero- and ultra-low-emission buses, marking a significant milestone for both environmental awareness and student safety in the region.

Transition to Clean Energy

The new fleet features 5 electric and 12 propane-powered school buses supplied by Blue Bird Corporation. These vehicles not only utilize clean energy but also contribute to improving air quality for the students and the broader community. The transition away from traditional diesel buses is anticipated to cut annual fuel and maintenance costs significantly. The electric buses, designed to accommodate approximately 60 students, possess a range of up to 130 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, the propane buses can transport the same number of students up to 250 miles on a full tank of propane autogas.

Cost-Effective Benefits

The financial implications of this shift are particularly noteworthy. Schools utilizing electric buses report energy costs as low as 19 cents per mile, starkly contrasting with diesel fuel expenses that can reach 79 cents per mile. With these new vehicles, WCS anticipates an annual savings of up to $3,700 per bus, leading to an overall potential savings of over $1.2 million throughout the 15-year lifecycle of the fleet.

Michelle Smith, the Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "We are proud to be among the first school districts in the nation to launch a fleet of all-electric and propane-powered buses. Together, we have transformed our ambitious vision of clean, sustainable student transportation into a reality."

Supporting Infrastructure

To facilitate the efficient operation of the new electric buses, WCS partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, which installed five Tellus charging stations. These essential charging stations enable overnight and downtime charging, ensuring that the electric buses are consistently ready for service. Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets, emphasized the importance of this collaboration: "By adding electric school buses and charging infrastructure, WCS is investing in healthier, more resilient communities, while ensuring that students have a safe, reliable ride to school every day."

Government Support and Future Initiatives

WCS's transition to a clean fleet was bolstered by a $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Clean School Bus Rebate Program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This initiative aims to replace outdated diesel buses across the country with clean-energy alternatives. Blue Bird Corporation, noted for its commitment to eco-friendly transportation, is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer and has recently been recognized for having over 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today.

Conclusion

The initiative by Wilkes County Schools sets a precedent for other districts to follow in the quest for cleaner transportation options. Investing in electric and propane-powered school buses not only promotes a healthier environment but also significantly reduces operational costs. As more districts adopt similar practices, the positive impact on air quality and student well-being could be profound, paving the way for a cleaner future.

For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit Blue Bird Corporation. To learn more about Wilkes County Schools, check out their official website.