Expanding Electric School Bus Fleet for Cleaner Student Transportation

Northstar Bus Lines and American Student Transportation are expanding their electric school bus fleet in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. In 2020, Northstar was granted the ability to purchase three electric school buses by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in partnership with the Osseo School District. Recently, the company was awarded additional funding for six more electric buses. While Northstar will keep three of the buses, the other three will be assigned to American Student Transportation to serve the Mounds View School District.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency estimates that eight electric school buses could reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 1,120 tons, which is equivalent to removing 244 cars from the road. However, transitioning from diesel to electric school buses poses challenges.

One of the challenges is the range needed for routes. Electric school buses have been easier to test out in Osseo compared to rural districts as the city is small and allows for shorter routes of about 80 miles per day. Upfront costs, including technology, equipment, and installation, are also expensive. An electric bus costs $373,000 compared to $130,000 for a diesel bus. Fortunately, Northstar and American can utilize MPCA grants to make electric buses more affordable.

Managers at Northstar Bus Lines and American Student Transportation are thrilled to see their electric school bus fleet grow. They are proud to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, while also providing smoother, safer transportation for students.