Bibb County School District will introduce 15 electric school buses and support charging infrastructure, marking the district's first step toward fleet electrification. Fifteen Type C electric school buses manufactured by Blue Bird Corporation will be deployed as part of a broader effort to strengthen day-to-day fleet operations. Highland Electric Fleets is supporting the charging infrastructure and managing daily charging to help ensure the fleet is ready for regular routes without requiring additional oversight from district staff.

Blue Bird, headquartered in Macon, has been manufacturing school buses in Georgia for nearly a century and is known for its focus on safety, durability, and reliability. The company is a leader in alternative-powered school transportation, with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric buses in operation across North America. Its electric buses are designed to meet the demands of daily routes while incorporating advanced battery and drivetrain technology.

"Bibb County School District's investment in electric buses demonstrates its commitment to cleaner, safer student transportation," said Albert Burleigh, vice president of bus sales in North America for Blue Bird. "These buses not only enhance the health of students and the community but also provide exceptional performance and long-term cost savings." 

The buses are expected to provide a more comfortable ride for students, with electric models up to four times quieter than diesel, helping create a calmer environment on the way to and from school. They also reduce exposure to diesel exhaust, improving air quality inside the bus. With fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, electric buses can help lower maintenance costs over time while offering more predictable day-to-day operations.

"Having these chargers on our property will create an ease of access for our drivers to make sure these buses remain fully available for our students and our schools," said Anthony Jackson, Executive Director of Transportation, Bibb County School District. "This provides the only available option for refueling without the fumes and mess of other alternatives."

"At Highland, our mission is to make the health and operational benefits of electric school buses more accessible and affordable for every community," said Duncan McIntyre, CEO of Highland Electric Fleets. "Replacing just five diesel buses with electric ones can reduce the risk of pediatric asthma for approximately 1,500 students. Students riding electric buses are also exposed to cleaner air, which has been linked to improved attendance and better focus in the classroom."