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Amherst-Pelham School District Introduces Electric School Bus Fleet

On April 28, 2026, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District will proudly host a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the launch of its electric school bus fleet. This initiative is a significant step towards sustainable transportation for students, marking an important milestone in the district's commitment to environmental stewardship and improved educational experiences.

Collaboration for a Greener Future

The district has partnered with Highland Electric Fleets to deploy three Thomas Built Jouley Type C electric school buses, complementing an existing electric bus already part of the fleet. The program also includes the installation of four new Tellus 60kW DC fast chargers, which are vehicle-to-grid (V2G) enabled, enhancing the operational capacity and sustainability of the transportation system. This project, developed in collaboration with NEC Group, LLC, Eversource, and New England Transit, aims to provide long-term operational benefits while prioritizing student safety and comfort.

Enhancing Student Experience

Electric school buses offer a variety of advantages. They operate four times quieter than traditional diesel buses, which greatly enhances the learning environment for students, particularly those with special needs. In terms of health, the transition to electric buses means students are exposed to 16% less air pollution, as these vehicles eliminate diesel emissions entirely. Moreover, electric buses are designed with fewer moving parts, which results in lower maintenance costs and fuel savings, providing more efficient transportation solutions for the district.

"This is about more than just buses; it represents our commitment to students every day," stated Dr. E. Xiomara Herman, the District Superintendent. "As an educational system, we continuously strive to assess how our choices influence students both academically and environmentally. Transitioning to electric buses allows us to minimize our environmental impact while ensuring our students travel safely and healthily to and from school."

The funding for this transformative project was supported by a $600,000 rebate from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program and a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s Accelerating Clean Transportation program. Furthermore, additional federal incentives helped alleviate both vehicle and infrastructure costs, making this initiative an economically wise decision for the district.

A Thoughtful Approach to Modern Education

According to Matt Stanberry, Senior Vice President of Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets, the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District is thoughtfully incorporating electric buses into their daily operations. This approach is not only aimed at improving student health but also at creating a transportation program that is sustainable and beneficial in the long run.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled to take place at 11:00 a.m. at the district’s bus depot, located at 170 Chestnut Street in Amherst. District officials, project collaborators, and community members will come together to celebrate this innovative program. After the ceremony, attendees will have the opportunity to ride one of the new electric school buses, experiencing firsthand the advancements in student transportation and comfort.

About the District and Future Outlook

The Amherst Regional Public Schools are located in the culturally rich Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, serving approximately 2,500 students from diverse backgrounds and speaking over 38 different languages. The district aims for academic success within a framework of social justice and multicultural education.

In closing, the introduction of the electric school bus fleet demonstrates the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District’s proactive steps towards modernizing educational transportation and contributing to a greener future. This program will not only benefit current students but also set a precedent for sustainable practices that future generations can build upon.