An email has been sent to your address with instructions for changing your password.
There is no user registered with this email.
Sign Up
To create a free account, please fill out the form below.
Thank you for signing up!
A confirmation email has been sent to your email address. Please check your email and follow the instructions in the message to complete the registration process. If you do not receive the email, please check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.
Welcome to our platform!
Oops!
Something went wrong while trying to create your new account. Please try again and if the problem persist, Email Us to receive support.
Boston Public Schools Puts First 20 Blue Bird Electric Buses in Operation
Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Positive)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary
Blue Bird Corporation (NASDAQ: BLBD) has initiated a groundbreaking pilot program by delivering 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools. This deployment represents the largest electric school bus initiative in the Northeast, under the leadership of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. The goal is to transition Boston’s fleet of 750 buses to electric by 2030, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing student health.
The Blue Bird Vision electric buses can transport up to 71 students for 120 miles on a single charge. Charging time is approximately four hours. This pilot program is not only expected to improve air quality but also reduce operational costs, with electric buses averaging 14 cents per mile compared to diesel's 49 cents.
Positive
First batch of 20 electric buses delivered to Boston Public Schools.
Largest deployment of electric school buses in the Northeast.
Supports the transition to a fully electric fleet by 2030.
Potential cost savings from reduced fuel and maintenance expenses.
Negative
None.
Pilot Program is First Step to Convert Entire BPS School Bus Fleet of 750 Vehicles to Electric by 2030
MACON, Ga.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, in conjunction with its dealer Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England, has delivered its first batch of 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools (BPS). School officials and local government leaders hail the groundbreaking pilot program as the largest electric school bus deployment in the Northeast. Spearheaded by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the transition to electric vehicles will help BPS to significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while improving student and community health.
Boston Public Schools put its first 20 Blue Bird Vision electric school buses into service. The zero-emission vehicles now transport over 2,500 students safely and reliably to and from 42 local-area schools every day. The groundbreaking pilot program is the first step of the school district to turn its entire bus fleet of 750 vehicles to electric. (Photo: Business Wire)
Boston Public Schools recently put 20 advanced Blue Bird Vision electric buses into service. The school buses can carry a maximum of 71 students for up to 120 miles on a single charge. The vehicles take approximately four hours to charge from 0% to 100% based on BPS's Level III ICE 30 kW fast chargers installed at their Readville, MA bus depot. Blue Bird’s zero-emission buses now transport over 2,500 students safely and reliably to and from 42 local-area schools every day.
“We are thrilled by this historic partnership. This pilot program is an important step in our work towards a fully electric fleet by 2030, as part of the Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools,” said Mary Skipper, Superintendent for Boston Public Schools. “These buses are quieter, cleaner, and are an essential part of reducing BPS’ carbon footprint and creating a healthier city. Putting the needs of our young people first is central to our mission. Clean, reliable buses that get our students to school reliably, while also cutting down on pollutants in the air and reducing carbon emissions is an important step that we must take for the well-being of Boston’s young people and their future.”
“Our students enjoy riding on our new electric buses. They love the quiet drive. We all love that our students, drivers and school staff are not being exposed to any exhaust fumes generated by traditional, diesel-powered buses. In addition, our bus drivers have had positive feedback about vehicle performance,” said Jackie Hayes, Assistant Director of Contract Operations and Fleet for Boston Public Schools. “Our pilot program marks an important step toward the electrification of our entire school bus fleet by 2030 to significantly reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.”
“Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of zero-emission school buses in North America,” said Britton Smith, Senior Vice President of Electrification and Chief Strategy Officer for Blue Bird Corporation, which has more than 950 electric-powered school buses in operation today. “We are excited to add 20 electric vehicles to Boston Public Schools’ bus fleet and to further help the school district to put student and community health first.”
Boston Public Schools has relied on Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England for more than 10 years to help meet its student transportation needs and maintains a fleet of nearly 750 buses, approximately a third which are diesel powered. The school district acquired the electric buses for the pilot program from Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England, a family-owned and -operated dealership serving the region since 1961.
“Being on the ground floor with Boston Public Schools, the City of Boston and Transdev, BPS’s maintenance and operations contractor, to initiate this pilot project and see it through to this recent deployment is something special for all our team members that made this a success,” said Jim Anderson, Vice President of Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England. “BPS’s transition from a diesel to a propane and now an electric powered fleet demonstrates the commitment the Boston Public Schools and The City of Boston has undertaken to provide a cleaner, more sustainable environment within the city boundaries: Boston EV Strong.”
Boston Public Schools anticipates benefiting from significant cost saving opportunities by reducing or eliminating the fuel and maintenance costs tied to traditional diesel powered vehicles. Select Blue Bird customers reported fuel costs of up to 49 cents per mile for their diesel buses, compared to an average 14 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. Blue Bird buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – the majority of 25 million children twice a day – making us the most trusted brand in the industry. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird's complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.
About Anderson Blue Bird Bus Sales of New England
Anderson Blue Bird is a second-generation family owned and operated business since 1961 in the transportation sector throughout New England. Headquarters in East Providence, RI, Anderson is a Blue Bird full line servicing dealer distributing Blue Bird and Micro Bird products and services throughout their designated states: MA, NH, VT, and RI. For more information on Anderson Blue Birds complete product and service portfolio, visit www.andersonmotors.com.
About Boston Public Schools
The Boston Public Schools (BPS), the birthplace of public education in the United States, serves nearly 50,000 pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students in 122 schools. BPS is committed to transforming the lives of all children through exemplary teaching in a world-class system of innovative, welcoming schools. We partner with the community, families, and students to develop in every learner the knowledge, skill, and character to excel in college, career, and life. Boston Public Schools transports approximately nearly 22,000 students over 43,000 miles every day. The BPS Department of Transportation services 225 schools transporting both BPS and non-BPS students to schools inside and outside of city limits. The BPS Transportation Department contributes to student achievement by ensuring that our students have a safe and reliable means of transportation to and from school and other school-related activities. For more information visit www.bostonpublicschools.org.
Boston Public Schools Media Contact
Max Baker Press Secretary
Boston Public Schools M: +1.229.393.7440
E: mbaker@bostonpublicschools.org
Source: Blue Bird Corporation
FAQ
What recent initiative did Blue Bird Corporation announce regarding electric school buses?
Blue Bird Corporation announced the delivery of 20 electric school buses to Boston Public Schools as part of a pilot program.
How many electric buses does Boston Public Schools plan to have by 2030?
Boston Public Schools aims to convert its entire fleet of 750 buses to electric by 2030.
What are the cost savings associated with the electric buses from Blue Bird?
Electric buses from Blue Bird are expected to cost about 14 cents per mile to operate, compared to 49 cents per mile for diesel buses.
What is the significance of the electric bus deployment in Boston?
This deployment is noted as the largest electric school bus initiative in the Northeast, pushing towards sustainability and better health for students.
What feedback have Boston Public Schools received regarding the new electric buses?
Feedback indicates that students enjoy the quiet ride, and bus drivers have reported positive experiences with the vehicle's performance.
