13 Electric Blue Bird School Buses to be Delivered to Bowling Green Independent Schools in Kentucky
Blue Bird Corporation, a leader in school bus transportation solutions, has made a significant stride in promoting greener transport in Kentucky. The company will deliver 13 of its all-electric school buses to Bowling Green Independent Schools, marking a crucial step towards sustainable transportation in U.S. schools.
Bowling Green Independent Schools’ switch to electric transportation is more than just an environmental initiative. These buses come with numerous benefits, including lower operational costs due to reduced fuel and maintenance needs and a quieter, smoother ride for students.
The 13 electric buses are designed to provide the same robust performance, safety features, and seating capacity as their diesel counterparts but with zero emissions.
Blue Bird shipment will include ten of their renowned Vision model buses
Blue Bird’s shipment will include ten of their renowned Vision model buses, known for their efficiency and high performance, alongside three All-American electric buses. The All-American model is distinguished for its spacious interiors and unparalleled safety features. This distribution further solidifies the partnership between Blue Bird and BGISD, reinforcing their shared dedication to sustainability and innovation in student transportation.
Blue Bird’s Vision Type C electric buses are designed to carry up to 72 students over a distance of 120 miles on a single charge, a testament to their efficiency and performance. On the other hand, the All-American Type D electric buses have a slightly larger capacity, capable of transporting as many as 84 students over the same distance. This remarkable mileage, coupled with their zero-emission feature, makes these buses a sustainable and practical solution for modern school transportation.
Buses will cover up to 75 miles daily over seven routes
Blue Bird’s zero-emission vehicles are set to make a significant impact in the daily operation of Bowling Green Independent Schools. These vehicles, planned to cover up to 75 miles, will be deployed across seven routes each school day. Their mission is to safely transport approximately 2,300 students to and from various schools. This arrangement not only underscores the effectiveness of the buses but also highlights the school district’s commitment to a healthier, cleaner environment and the well-being of its students. The operation of these buses on regular school routes demonstrates the practicality and sustainability of electric buses in real-world scenarios.
Blue Bird and Bowling Green Independent Schools support sustainability
This move aligns with Blue Bird’s commitment to lead the transition towards a zero-emission fleet in the school transportation industry. The company anticipates the widespread adoption of electric school buses and continues to invest significantly in this area.
“We are thrilled to help Bowling Green Independent Schools transition to electric buses and clean student transportation,” said Britton Smith, president of Blue Bird Corporation. “The school district is poised to benefit greatly from Blue Bird’s high-performing, advanced electric vehicles. Our Vision and All-American buses perform exceptionally well in all weather conditions – from extreme heat to freezing cold – due to the outstanding thermal management of the batteries. In addition, we anticipate that the school district will realize significant savings. Blue Bird customers have reported an average 14 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses compared to up to 49 cents per mile in fuel costs for their diesel buses.”
Bowling Green Independent Schools have proudly joined the ranks of progressive school districts nationwide, setting an example for others to follow in their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint. This delivery not only helps the school district achieve its sustainability goals but also paves the way for healthier, quieter neighborhoods for the community.
“Bowling Green Independent Schools could not be more excited about ushering in a new era of zero-emission student transportation by acquiring our first 13 state-of-the-art electric school buses,” said BGISD Superintendent Gary Fields. “We are looking forward to a successful pilot program and to building son our relationship with Blue Bird.”
EPA’s 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program grant assisted the District’s purchase
Bowling Green Independent Schools recently secured a significant $5,135,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2022 Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This sizable grant was instrumental in the acquisition of the new Blue Bird electric school bus fleet, marking a major step forward in sustainable transportation. This initiative is being powered by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which allocates a substantial $5 billion over a five-year period, specifically for clean school bus transportation across the country.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird Corporation is a leading American manufacturer known for its production of school buses and commercial buses. Founded in 1927, it has maintained a history of innovation and quality, continually setting industry standards with its robust vehicle design. The company prioritizes safety, crafting each bus with meticulous attention to detail to ensure the secure transportation of passengers. Blue Bird Corporation’s commitment to sustainability is notable, particularly its efforts towards developing alternative fuel vehicles. This eco-conscious approach reduces environmental impact and provides economical transportation solutions.
About the Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD)
The Bowling Green Independent School District (BGISD) is a comprehensive community public school district located in the heart of Kentucky. Serving a diverse student population, BGISD is dedicated to providing a high-quality education, encouraging every student to succeed in academia, athletics, and the arts. The district boasts several distinguished schools with rigorous curriculums, state-of-the-art facilities, and highly qualified staff committed to fostering a nurturing and innovative learning environment. BGISD is a testament to community dedication to the value of education.
