NEW HANOVER COUNTY — An electric bus in New Hanover County Schools’ fleet will roll out when school resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
Students at Mary C. Williams Elementary, J.C. Roe Center, and Hoggard High School who typically ride Bus 422 will now be picked up in the mornings by Electric Bus 471. Afternoon bus service remains the same for students assigned to 422. Parents of the affected riders will receive updates in EduLog, the portal for tracking buses.
The district is encouraging students to be waiting at their stop at pick-up instead of listening for the bus’ arrival, as the electric bus runs almost silent.
After the debut, New Hanover County Schools will become one of five districts across the state with an electric bus in operation. The new zero-emission buses are expected to reduce fuel and maintenance costs while improving air quality for students, according to the North Carolina Department Environmental Quality, which is distributing the buses as part of the state’s settlement with Volkswagen.
The electric bus will cover the morning route for 422 for several months before moving to another route so that a variety of drivers and riders can experience it. NHCS said it will survey students and bus drivers to assess the environmental and health benefits.
Parents with questions or concerns can reach out to the NHCS Transportation Division at 910-254-4298 or email BusRouting@NHCS.net.
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