Latest news with #HighlandElectricFleets
Cision Canada
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
East St. Louis School District 189 Marks Next Phase in Electric School Bus Project
EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill., June 11, 2025 /CNW/ -- East St. Louis School District 189 will host a community event on Thursday, June 12 to celebrate continued progress in its electric school bus initiative. The event will highlight the construction of a new depot that will support 25 electric school buses and chargers. The district was awarded funding through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program as part of a competitive, multi-district application. The project includes the deployment of 25 Thomas Built electric school buses and 25 Heliox chargers, with operations scheduled to begin in the 2025–2026 school year. "We are proud to roll out 25 new electric school buses for regular routes this coming school year—an investment in both the health of our students and our community," said Arthur R. Culver, Superintendent of East St. Louis School District 189. "Our students deserve clean, safe, and modern transportation. These electric buses reduce harmful air pollution, reflect our commitment to safety, and help ensure that every child arrives at school ready to learn and thrive." Culver added, "This is an exciting step forward for student wellness and a cleaner, healthier future for East St. Louis." The project is being delivered in close partnership with North American Central School Bus (NACSB), one of the largest student transportation providers in North America and Highland Electric Fleets, a leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) for school bus fleets across North America. NAC will operate and maintain the buses, while Highland is managing the charging infrastructure and long-term electrification support. Work is underway at the NAC depot in Caseyville, which will serve as the operational hub for the new fleet. Ameren Illinois, the project's utility partner, is assisting the infrastructure development with make-ready funding through its Electric Vehicle Charging Program. "Partnering with the East St. Louis School District and Highland to deliver clean, innovative transportation is a powerful step toward empowering tomorrow's leaders. This electric fleet represents our commitment to student safety, community health, and a brighter future," said NAC CEO Jason Walker "We're proud to support the district and NAC as we move into the next phase of the project and prepare for deployment across the community," said Duncan McIntyre, Founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. The new electric fleet will add to the district's existing 80-bus operation and will serve students across seven schools. As part of the event, attendees will be invited to take a ride on an electric school bus and preview what students will experience when the buses hit the road next year. The event is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. CT on June 12 at the Illinois Central School Bus Garage, 8203 Bunkum Rd, Caseyville, IL 62232. About East St. Louis School District East St. Louis School District 189 is focused on providing rigorous, high quality education and exceptional educational experiences to the nearly 5,000 students within the community. Our vision is for students to be supported physically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and nurturing environment to achieve academic success that prepares them for college, the workforce, and citizenship in the 21st century. For more information, visit Follow more great stories @estl189 on Facebook and Twitter. About North American Central School Bus (NACSB) NACSB's mission is to "empower tomorrow's leaders and provide them with access to world changing opportunities." They strive to foster a culture of safety, innovation, excellence, and engagement in all operations. About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles. Learn more at Media Contacts East St. Louis School District 189 Sydney Stigge-Kaufman [email protected] Highland Electric Fleets Chris Orlando [email protected]
Forbes
16-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Parents See Electric School Buses And Student Mental Health Links, Survey Suggests
While electric school buses are often lauded as an important step in the move to cleaner and less-polluting forms of transportation, a recent survey also suggests there may be additional benefits in terms of managing students' mental health. The survey by Highland Electric Fleets found voters and parents strongly associate electric school buses with better student mental health, particularly for children with special needs or sensory sensitivities. Two-thirds (67%) of the parents surveyed believe that reducing stressors like diesel fumes and noise during the school commute can help support their child's emotional and academic success. A similar number (70%) of voters agreed a calmer ride is important for students' mental health, while among parents, the number rises to 81%. And 70% of voters agreed a calmer ride is important for students' mental health, while among parents, the number rises to 81%. Mental health speaker Ross Szabo said traditional diesel-powered school buses are 'super loud', which means it is hard to have a 'sense of calm or peacefulness' when travelling onboard in an interview. Szabo added the commute to school or work often determines how we feel during the rest of the day, and if the 'start of the day is rough, then the whole day can be rough'. 'We are in a mental health crisis around the world,' Szabo told me. 'It's not just America. But I was really pleased to see in this survey how many people are getting the holistic approach, and how much the daily school bus commute can matter to young people.' 'The sound of a diesel engine on a school bus is loud, which often means the kids onboard are having to be louder than the bus,' said Szabo. 'With electric vehicles, the sound of the engine is much quieter. Noise is a big issue, particularly for neurodivergent students who have a higher sensory response, so electric school busses make a big difference to them.' New York-based psychiatrist Dr. Jeff Ditzell said a lot of children with children with autism, special needs and other conditions have an increased sensitivity to sound, noise and light in an interview. Dr. Ditzell any means of transportation which can offer a 'calmer ambient situation' is likely to provide more emotional regulation for children and young people. 'A lot of these kids also have physical sensory issues, so a more comfortable environment is likely to translate into less anxiety,' he told me. 'And if they are agitated when they begin their school day, and distracted getting off the bus, they may already be starting to have anxious rumination or intrusive thoughts. 'This means it's going to be very difficult to get their inner environment calm again, modulated and get into the school day.' Moms Clean Air Force's public health manager, Elizabeth Bechard said here are so many benefits of electric school buses for children's well-being, including reduced exposure to dangerous diesel exhaust in an email. Bechard added breathing in traffic pollution like the diesel fumes from traditional school buses has been linked to a range of mental health harms, from increased anxiety to impaired cognitive function. 'Electric school buses offer a cleaner, quieter, healthier ride to school—something that promotes peace of mind both for students and their parents,' she said. And Highland Electric Fleets founder and chief executive Duncan McIntyre said it was encouraging to see so many parents recognizing the benefits electric school buses bring to students in a statement. McIntyre added Highland was proud to partner with school districts across the country, because it is 'not just about cleaner air and lower emissions, it's about providing a calmer, healthier, and quieter ride' for students.
Cision Canada
07-05-2025
- Health
- Cision Canada
New Survey: Voters Link Electric School Buses to Better Student Mental Health
BEVERLY, Mass., May 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- A new national survey conducted by Highland Electric Fleets finds that voters and parents strongly associate electric school buses with better student mental health, particularly for children with special needs or sensory sensitivities. The findings reflect a growing understanding of how school transportation affects student well-being and readiness to learn. Two-thirds of U.S. parents (67%) believe that reducing stressors like diesel fumes and noise during the school commute can help support their child's emotional and academic success. This sentiment is echoed more broadly: 70% of voters say a calmer ride is important for students' mental health, and among parents, that number rises to 81%. "We can't talk about student mental health without addressing their surroundings and routine—and that includes their transportation experience to and from school," said Ross Szabo, mental health speaker and the CEO of Human Power Project. "A calmer, quieter school bus experience is a simple way to cut down on stress, help kids show up ready to learn, and set a more relaxed tone for the start and end of their day." When asked which type of bus better supports students' mental health, voters were four times more likely to choose electric over diesel. Concern about diesel exposure is common, with two-thirds of voters expressing at least some concern, including 71% of mothers. Support is even stronger when respondents consider students with sensory sensitivities or who are neurodivergent. Many view the quieter, smoother ride of electric buses as a meaningful way to reduce sensory stress and create a more inclusive experience. For these students, and for others, there is also growing recognition that reducing exposure to diesel exhaust can contribute to a healthier ride overall. "It's encouraging to see so many parents recognizing the benefits electric school buses bring to students," said Duncan McIntyre, Founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. "At Highland, we're proud to partner with school districts across the country to help transition fleets from diesel to electric, because it's not just about cleaner air and lower emissions, it's about providing a calmer, healthier, and quieter ride that helps set students up for success." About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles. Highland led the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and operates the largest electric school bus project in the U.S. With approximately 95% of school buses built in the U.S., the shift to electric drives American innovation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country in addition to reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Learn more at Methodology The April 2025 Echelon Insights Verified Voter Omnibus was fielded online from April 10-14, 2025, in English among a sample of N=1,014 voters in the Likely Electorate (LE) nationwide using non-probability sampling. The sample was weighted to reflect modeled turnout and demographic characteristics of the population of voters in the 2024 likely electorate based on a probabilistic model derived from the L2 voter file and the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey demographic data adjusted to match voter registration estimates from the November 2020 Current Population Survey Voting and Registration Supplement. Weighting dimensions included gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, region, party, and voting history. Data quality measures included the use of trap questions to check for attentiveness and measures to prevent and remove duplicate responses based on IP address and voter file matches. Calculated the way it would be for a random sample and adjusted to incorporate the effect of weighting; the margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points. Media Contact
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Dearborn Public Schools Rolls Out 18 New Electric School Buses
Zero-emission buses give students a cleaner and quieter transportation experience DEARBORN, Mich., April 23, 2025 /CNW/ -- Dearborn Public Schools, Michigan's third-largest school district, is enhancing its student transportation with the addition of 18 state-of-the-art electric school buses. This initiative reflects the district's commitment to providing a healthier environment for its students and the surrounding community. "The addition of these 18 electric buses is another example of how our district is leading the way and taking actions that will benefit students and the greater Dearborn community. There is also a lesson here for our students about the importance of being good stewards of the environment and taking steps to be a role model," commented Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "We also appreciate the $7.1 million in grant funding from the EPA that made the purchase of these buses possible," Maleyko added. Dearborn partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, a leader in Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) for school bus fleets in North America, to modernize its fleet. As part of the project, Highland installed 20 BorgWarner charging stations, enabling overnight and downtime charging to keep the buses ready for daily routes. "This investment represents a commitment to cleaner, quieter student transportation, which can improve student performance and reduce asthma risk, especially in communities like Dearborn where asthma rates may be higher than the national average," said Joshua Williams, Senior Midwestern Regional Manager at Highland Electric Fleets. "We're honored to partner with Dearborn in making this vision a reality." The 18 Blue Bird All American Type D electric-powered buses generate no emissions. They can travel up to 120 miles on a single charge and can be fully charged in 6-8 hours overnight. Additionally, these buses run much quieter than their diesel counterparts, offering a calmer ride for students and reducing noise pollution in the surrounding neighborhoods. Blue Bird has more than 2,500 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today. "Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of electric school buses in North America," said Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird Corporation. "We are thrilled to build on our exclusive, more than 30-year relationship with Dearborn Public Schools by delivering 18 state-of-the-art zero-emission school buses to the district. The continued transition to electric vehicles will help the District reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while improving student and community health." Dearborn 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 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses, compared to an average 14 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses. Backed by $7.1 million from the EPA's Clean School Bus Rebate Program, DPS acquired its advanced electric school buses through Holland Bus Company, Blue Bird's authorized school bus dealer in Michigan. About Dearborn Public Schools Dearborn Public Schools is the third largest school district in Michigan with almost 20,000 students. The district operates 37 schools across 36 buildings. The District provides services ranging from free preschool for qualified families to free early college programs that allow high school students to earn an associate degree and high school diploma in five years rather than six at no cost to families. The district's Vision Statement has become a popular inspiration for the students and staff in the Dearborn Public Schools: Students First: Inspire, Educate, Celebrate. For more information, visit About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is North America's leading provider of electrification-as-a-service. Founded in 2019, Highland makes it simple and affordable to transition fleets of all sizes to electric, from school buses to public safety, municipal and commercial vehicles. Highland led the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and operates the largest electric school bus project in the U.S. With approximately 95% of school buses built in the U.S., the shift to electric drives American innovation, strengthens domestic manufacturing, and creates jobs in communities across the country in addition to reducing emissions and lowering operating costs. Learn more at About Blue Bird Corporation Blue Bird 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. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. 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 Media Contacts Dearborn Public Schools Media ContactDavid MustonenCommunications DirectorDearborn Public SchoolsM: +1.313.268.9802E: mustond@ Highland Electric Fleets Media ContactStevey DavisPublic Relations AssociateHighlandE: Blue Bird Media ContactJulianne BarclayTSN CommunicationsM: +1.267.934.5340E: julianne@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Highland Electric Fleets View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Glades County School District Welcomes New, Modernized Electric School Buses
Electric buses provide students with a cleaner, healthier form of transportation, while also offering air conditioning for the first time to the majority of students MOORE HAVEN, Fla., January 30, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Glades County School District (GCSD) has introduced 13 industry-leading electric school buses to its fleet for the 2024-2025 school year. The new electric school buses will replace more than half of the district's outdated diesel buses—some of which have been in operation for more than 25 years. The district will now benefit from the cleaner, quieter rides and cost savings that electric school buses provide. In addition, all new electric buses offer much-needed air conditioning. Until now, only three buses in the district's fleet provided air conditioning, leaving most students to endure daily rides in the intense Florida heat unabated. Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, supplied the 13 Type C Vision electric-powered school buses to GCSD. The company's electric school buses generate no emissions and can carry approximately 77 students up to 120 miles on a single charge. GCSD partnered with Highland Electric Fleets, the leading provider of Electrification-as-a-Service (EaaS) for school bus fleets in North America, as its electrification partner to support its fleet modernization and infrastructure upgrades. With lower fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs, the district anticipates substantial savings in its transportation budget. School districts have reported paying a mere 19 cents per mile in energy costs for electric buses compared to fuel costs of up to 79 cents per mile for their diesel buses. "We're excited to celebrate the arrival of 13 new electric school buses in Glades County," said Dr. Beth Barfield, Superintendent of Glades County School District. "These state-of-the-art buses represent a significant advancement for our district, offering students a much more comfortable transportation experience in the extreme Florida heat. This milestone is a chance to bring our community together and recognize the teamwork and dedication that brought this project to life." "We are thrilled to supply Glades County School District with our industry-leading electric school buses," said Brad Beauchamp, EV Product Segment Leader at Blue Bird Corporation. "Moving forward, most Glades County students will enjoy clean and air-conditioned rides to and from school daily. We applaud the school district for investing in 'clean & cool' school buses putting student health and comfort first." "At Highland Electric Fleets, we're proud to partner with Glades County Schools in bringing the benefits of electric buses to their students and community," said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. "This shift represents not just a technological upgrade, but an investment in student well-being. We are excited to help lead this transformation and deliver lasting value for both the district and its students." GCSD received a grant of nearly $5 million through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) highly effective Clean School Bus Rebate Program to purchase its Blue Bird electric school bus fleet. This program is part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) which provides a total of $5 billion over five years for clean school bus transportation nationwide. The EPA has already awarded nearly $3 billion through the landmark bipartisan initiative. The program to date will enable more than 1,300 school districts nationwide to replace old diesel buses with nearly 9,000 electric and ultra-low emission vehicles. Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 2,000 electric-powered, zero-emission school buses in operation today. GCSD purchased its advanced electric vehicles through Florida Transportation Systems, Inc., Blue Bird's authorized school bus dealer in Tampa, Fla. 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. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. 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 About Glades County School District Glades County School District consists of three schools – West Glades School (PK – 8th), Moore Haven Middle High School (6th – 8th), and Moore Haven Elementary School (PK-5). The mission of the district, administration, teachers, and staff is to focus all students on achievement, attendance, respect and values through positive student, parent, and community involvement. For more information, visit About Highland Electric Fleets Highland Electric Fleets is the leading provider of electrification-as-a-service for school districts, governments, and fleet operators in North America. Founded in 2019, Highland offers a unique suite of products that make it simple and affordable to upgrade to electric fleets today. Active in 30 states and Canada, Highland is responsible for the first use of electric school buses in a commercial vehicle-to-grid (V2G) program and the largest electric school bus project in the United States to date. To learn more, visit View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Blue Bird Julianne BarclayTSN CommunicationsM: +1.267.934.5340E: julianne@ Glades County School District Dr. Alice E. BarfieldSuperintendent of SchoolsE: Highland Electric Fleets Chris OrlandoPR LeadHighland Electric FleetsM: +1.508.468.9802E: Sign in to access your portfolio
