Electric school bus arrives in Walla Walla
By Terry Murry on Friday, May 19th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA – The first of Walla Walla Public School’s three new electric school buses has arrived. The district said it’s one of the first school districts in eastern Washington to add electric school buses to its operating fleet.
The district received an award from the Washington State Department of Ecology to fully fund the three electric buses and charging stations. Walla Walla Public Schools has partnered with Columbia Rural Electric Association to provide incoming power for the charging stations.
These buses have one-third of the moving parts of a diesel-powered bus and will require less maintenance. Plus, the district said an electric bus can travel around 300 miles on a full charge in ideal driving conditions.
Walla Walla Public Schools will begin using the electric school bus later this month for local bus routes. The remaining two buses are expected to arrive over the summer and will be operational next school year.
Community members are invited to get a closer look at the electric school bus at a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. at the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative, 1162 Entley Street in Walla Walla.
Photo via Walla Walla Public Schools
