Wilkes County Schools (WCS) has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first school district in Georgia to operate all of its 25 daily bus routes exclusively with zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses. This groundbreaking move eliminates the use of regular diesel buses, significantly improving air quality for students and the broader community while dramatically reducing operating costs. Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leading provider of electric and low-emission school buses, played a crucial role in this transformation by delivering five electric and 12 propane-powered buses to WCS.
Blue Bird’s electric school buses generate zero emissions and are capable of carrying approximately 60 students up to 130 miles on a single charge. This innovation positions WCS to substantially cut its operating expenses, as electric buses incur lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to their diesel counterparts. On average, school districts have reported energy costs of just 19 cents per mile for electric buses, a stark contrast to the 79 cents per mile spent on diesel fuel.
In addition to electric buses, WCS is utilizing Blue Bird’s industry-leading propane-powered buses to meet its transportation needs. These propane buses can transport around 60 students up to 250 miles on a single tank of propane autogas while producing 96% fewer harmful emissions than diesel buses. Propane buses further enhance cost savings for WCS, reducing fuel and maintenance expenses by up to $3,700 annually per bus compared to diesel models. With a fleet of 22 propane buses, the district could save more than $1.2 million over the 15-year lifespan of the vehicles.
“We are proud to be among the first school districts in the nation to launch a fleet of all-electric and propane-powered school buses,” said Michelle Smith, Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools. “Blue Bird’s zero- and ultra-low-emission school buses will help us create a healthier environment for our students and our community while significantly lowering our operating costs. Together, we have turned our ambitious vision of clean, sustainable student transportation into a reality.”
Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird Corporation, also praised the district’s efforts: “We are delighted to supply Wilkes County Schools with our industry-leading electric and propane-powered school buses. Students on all 25 daily routes will now travel exclusively on zero- and ultra-low-emission buses. We commend Wilkes County Schools for prioritizing student and community health.”
The transition to a fully clean bus fleet was supported by Highland Electric Fleets, a leader in school bus fleet electrification-as-a-service. Highland installed five Tellus charging stations to accommodate WCS’s five electric buses. These stations enable the district to use overnight and downtime charging, ensuring the buses are always ready to meet transportation demands.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Wilkes County Schools in transitioning to a fully clean school bus fleet,” said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. “This shift not only improves air quality and delivers cost-saving benefits but also ensures a safe and reliable ride to school for students every day. WCS’s investment in electric school buses and charging infrastructure sets a strong example for healthier, more resilient communities.”
The project was made possible through a $2,335,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Clean School Bus Rebate Program. This initiative, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), provides $5 billion over five years to promote clean school bus transportation nationwide. To date, the program has awarded nearly $3 billion in funding, enabling over 1,300 school districts across the country to replace outdated diesel buses with nearly 9,000 electric and ultra-low-emission vehicles.
Blue Bird Corporation stands out as the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer and a leader in clean transportation. With more than 2,000 electric-powered, zero-emission buses already in operation, Blue Bird continues to pioneer advancements in sustainable student transportation. The company also remains the sole U.S. school bus manufacturer offering propane-powered buses. These vehicles feature a propane engine that is 90% cleaner than the strictest federal emission standards set by the EPA. Blue Bird’s propane-powered buses already exceed the even more rigorous emissions standards scheduled to take effect in 2027.
Wilkes County Schools acquired its advanced electric and propane-powered buses through Yancey Bus Sales & Service, an authorized Blue Bird school bus dealer based in Austell, Georgia.
“This initiative not only makes Wilkes County Schools a trailblazer in Georgia but also highlights the power of collaboration in building a cleaner, more sustainable future,” said Superintendent Smith. “We look forward to continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship and cost efficiency in student transportation.”
By transitioning to a fully clean school bus fleet, Wilkes County Schools sets a powerful example for districts nationwide, demonstrating how innovative technology and strategic investment can deliver meaningful benefits for students, communities, and the environment.
