Blue Bird Corporation recently delivered a fleet of 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools (BPS). This marks the largest deployment of electric school buses in the Northeast, according to school officials and local government leaders. The initiative, spearheaded by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, aims to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions and improve the health of students and the community.
The new electric buses, provided by Blue Bird Corporation, are now in operation within Boston Public Schools. These buses, known as Blue Bird Vision electric buses, have a maximum capacity of 71 students and can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge. The charging process takes approximately four hours using BPS’s Level III ICE 30 kW fast chargers, which are installed at their bus depot in Readville, MA. With over 2,500 students being transported to and from 42 local-area schools daily, Blue Bird’s zero-emission buses are playing a crucial role in ensuring safe and reliable transportation.
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Mary Skipper, the Superintendent for Boston Public Schools, expressed excitement about the partnership, calling it a historic moment. She emphasized that this pilot program is a significant step toward achieving a fully electric fleet by 2030, as part of the Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools. Skipper highlighted the benefits of the electric buses, including their quieter operation, reduced emissions, and positive impact on the city’s carbon footprint. She emphasized that the well-being and future of Boston’s young people are at the forefront of this initiative.
Jackie Hayes, Assistant Director of Contract Operations and Fleet for Boston Public Schools, highlighted the positive feedback from students, drivers, and school staff regarding the new electric buses. The students appreciate the quiet and emissions-free rides, while the drivers have praised the performance of the vehicles. Hayes emphasized that the pilot program is a crucial step toward the eventual electrification of the entire school bus fleet by 2030, with the aim of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
For over a decade, Boston Public Schools has relied on Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England to meet its student transportation needs. The school district currently operates a fleet of nearly 750 buses, with approximately one-third being diesel-powered. The electric buses for the pilot program were acquired from Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England, a family-owned dealership that has been serving the region since 1961.
In addition to the environmental benefits, Boston Public Schools expects to achieve significant cost savings by reducing or eliminating fuel and maintenance expenses associated with traditional diesel-powered vehicles. Some Blue Bird customers have reported fuel costs of up to 49 cents per mile for their diesel buses, compared to an average of 14 cents per mile for electric buses in terms of energy costs.
The deployment of these electric school buses represents a major milestone for Boston Public Schools in their commitment to sustainability, cleaner transportation, and the well-being of their students. With the successful implementation of this pilot program, the school district is now on track to achieve its goal of a fully electric bus fleet by 2030.
