Kentucky school districts will have the chance to purchase hybrid-fueled electric school buses starting in October through funding from economic stimulus funds. The state plans to replace 200 diesel-powered buses; it has 9,800 diesel-fueled buses and the project will replace the oldest.
“Clean fuel technology is not just the wave of the future – it’s here now, and our schools are an excellent venue to showcase the benefits,” Gov. Steve Beshear said in a news release. The governor anticipates the project saving 122,000 gallons of diesel fuel per year and extending the 14-year life cycle of buses by 18-20 years. Hybrid buses cost between $126,000 to $133,000, compared to $85,000 for a diesel-fueled bus. (Read more)
The Todd County Board of Education unanimously voted to purchase one of the hybrid buses for $71,263, Ryan Craig of the Todd County Standard reports. "Board members did question if the bus would be cost effective for the school system," Craig writes. Transportation Director Carrol P. Moseley said the bus will be 70 percent more fuel efficient and garage technicians have already received training on hybrid bus maintenance.
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