There’s been some buzz about the cost of MCPASD’s new electric school bus. MCPASD Transportation Manager Mike Hamstra wants to set the record straight.
He said the Dirstrict funded the purchase in part with a $200,000 EPA Clean School Bus Program grant, which covered 49.4% of the total cost of $404,235. MCPASD received three competitive bids and chose the 2026 Blue Bird All American electric bus in part for its 78-student capacity.
The electric bus is one way MCPASD is investing in clean energy and implementing sustainable practices to help meet the District’s sustainability goals. Hamstra said it offers cost-savings for the District plus environmental and health benefits for the community.
Hamstra said that over time, electric buses are cheaper to operate since electricity is often less expensive than diesel. He said the electric bus will require less maintenance because it has fewer moving parts and lacks an engine and exhaust system.
In the long term, this helps the District save on fuel and maintenance expenses. Also, the bus can travel up to 125 miles on one charge, which saves fuel costs.
“It’s powered by large batteries, rather than diesel fuel, that produce zero tailpipe emissions,” Hamstra added. “This helps us reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improves air quality in the community.”
Hamstra added that without engine noise, the electric bus offers a quieter ride than a diesel bus, which helps drivers communicate more easily with students during their ride.
Learn more about the electric school bus and the District’s sustainability efforts on MCPASD’s website.
This story originally appeared in the October edition of our District-wide Community Compass newsletter. Check out the newsletter for the latest District news!