Glades County School District (GCSD) has added 13 electric school buses to its fleet, replacing over half of its aging diesel vehicles, some of which had been in service for over 25 years, the district announced.
The $5 million initiative, funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Rebate Program, aims to cut emissions and operational costs while improving student comfort with air-conditioned transport.
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The Blue Bird Vision electric buses, supplied through Florida Transportation Systems, Inc., produce zero emissions and can travel up to 120 miles per charge while seating 77 students.
Energy costs for the electric fleet average 19 cents per mile, compared to 79 cents for diesel buses, the district said. Highland Electric Fleets provided Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) support for infrastructure and transition planning.
Previously, only three of GCSD’s buses had air conditioning—a critical upgrade for Florida’s extreme heat, Superintendent Beth Barfield noted. “These buses represent a significant advancement, offering students a more comfortable experience,” she said.
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The initiative aligns with a national push under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocates $5 billion to replace diesel school buses. Over 2,000 Blue Bird electric buses are now operational across the U.S., according to the company.
Brad Beauchamp of Blue Bird and Duncan McIntyre of Highland Electric Fleets praised the district’s focus on student health and cost efficiency. GCSD did not disclose plans for further fleet electrification.