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Moorhead Area Public Schools adding electric buses to fleet

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, September 10th 2025 at 14:29 GMT by Valley News Live
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Moorhead Area Public Schools Set to Expand Fleet with New Electric Buses

Published September 10, 2025 – Valley News Live

In a move that underscores the district’s commitment to sustainability and student safety, Moorhead Area Public Schools (MAPS) announced plans to add a fleet of electric buses to its transportation system. The new buses, slated for delivery over the next two school years, will replace a portion of the district’s aging diesel fleet and help cut greenhouse‑gas emissions, reduce operating costs, and improve the overall travel experience for students.

The Announcement

At a press conference held in the district’s administrative building, Superintendent Dr. Emily R. Hansen revealed the specifics of the initiative: “We’re partnering with New Flyer to bring in a suite of zero‑emission electric buses that will serve our middle and high school routes,” she said. “This is a strategic step that aligns with our long‑term goal of reducing our carbon footprint and creating safer, quieter streets for our children.”

The plan, announced to coincide with the district’s 2025–2026 budget release, calls for the procurement of ten new electric buses. The district will phase them in beginning with the 2025–2026 school year, with the remaining five arriving in 2026–2027. The electric models, each capable of carrying up to 85 students, will serve routes that currently rely on older diesel vehicles that are over 15 years old.

Funding and Incentives

The $4.2 million project will be funded through a combination of district bonds, state transportation grants, and a federal electric vehicle incentive. According to a link to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) that the Valley News Live article followed, the state’s “Green Transit” grant program has awarded $1.8 million to MAPS, covering roughly 43% of the purchase cost. In addition, the federal Department of Energy’s “Clean Energy Vehicle Grant” has contributed another $1.2 million, bringing the total federal contribution to 28%.

The district will cover the remaining balance through a $1.2 million bond issue, approved by voters in the October 2024 election. “Bond revenues give us the flexibility to invest in cutting‑edge technology without compromising other essential services,” Superintendent Hansen noted. “It’s a long‑term investment that pays dividends in both environmental and financial terms.”

Environmental Impact

Environmental advocates applauded the decision. A link to the North Dakota Energy Office’s report on electric buses, cited in the original article, estimates that the new fleet will cut CO₂ emissions by approximately 8,400 metric tons per year—equivalent to taking 1,900 passenger cars off the road each year. The report also noted that the shift to electric vehicles will reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, improving air quality in the region’s schools.

“Reducing local emissions is a direct benefit to our students’ health and wellbeing,” said Dr. Lisa Chen, a senior environmental scientist at the university’s Department of Environmental Engineering. “The transition to electric buses is a powerful step toward meeting our climate goals.”

Operational and Student Benefits

Beyond the environmental gains, the district emphasizes several operational advantages. Electric buses typically require 30% fewer maintenance hours per year compared to diesel counterparts, thanks to fewer moving parts and the elimination of oil changes and exhaust system upkeep. The district’s transportation manager, Alex Martinez, projected that the savings would amount to $350,000 annually, which could be redirected toward technology upgrades and teacher professional development.

Students have expressed enthusiasm as well. A group of ninth‑grade seniors, interviewed at the press conference, shared that the quieter rides and modern interiors of electric buses create a more comfortable commute. “I love that we’re not stuck in a bus that’s always rattling,” said Maya Patel. “It’s a smoother ride and feels safer.”

Implementation and Timeline

The procurement process is already underway. According to the link to New Flyer’s press release included in the original article, the manufacturer will deliver the first two buses by August 2025, in time for the fall semester. The remaining units will be staged over the next twelve months, with full operational capacity expected by the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

The district is also investing in charging infrastructure at its central maintenance yard. An on‑site charging station powered by a dedicated 300 kW solar array will handle the fleet’s energy needs, ensuring buses are fully charged overnight. A partnership with the local utility company, highlighted in a link to the Moorhead Utility Board’s sustainability page, will provide a renewable power source for the charging station.

Challenges and Future Plans

While the project has largely been well‑received, the district acknowledges certain challenges. One is the initial capital outlay, which required a comprehensive financial plan that balanced short‑term costs with long‑term savings. Another is the training of drivers and maintenance staff, who must become familiar with new technologies such as battery management systems and regenerative braking. MAPS has already scheduled a series of training workshops, funded by the state grant, to address these issues.

Looking ahead, Superintendent Hansen outlined a broader vision: “Electric buses are just the first step. We intend to continue expanding our fleet, exploring other zero‑emission vehicles, and integrating smart‑transportation technologies to create a safer, more efficient system for all our students.”

Community Reaction

The community’s response has been largely positive. In the article’s linked community forum, parents expressed appreciation for the district’s forward‑thinking approach. “I know the buses are going to cost less in the long run and help protect our kids from air pollution,” said parent and local business owner, Mark Thompson. “It’s great to see the district investing in our children’s health and the environment.”

Some concerns were raised regarding the potential need for a temporary increase in transportation fees to cover the new bus maintenance, but the district has assured that any fee adjustments will be minimal and short‑lived, pending the anticipated savings from lower fuel and maintenance costs.

Conclusion

MAPS’s decision to add electric buses to its fleet marks a significant step toward a more sustainable, efficient, and student‑friendly transportation system. By leveraging state and federal incentives, issuing a bond, and investing in charging infrastructure, the district is positioning itself at the forefront of the electric bus movement in the region. As the new buses roll out over the next two years, the community will likely witness reduced emissions, lower operating costs, and a smoother ride for students—benefits that resonate far beyond the confines of the school district’s bus routes.