Electric Bus Slides Into Action In Beverly

Beverly MA

18 November, 2020

1:19 PM

Description

BEVERLY, MA — The route to and from Cove Elementary School could have been renamed Electric Avenue on Tuesday. The city's new electric-battery bus took students to school and home again for the first time on Tuesday with Henry Birkemouse behind the wheel for the round trip and Beverly Schools Transportation Director Dana Cruikshank for coordinating the inaugural trip. The bus is part of a pilot program aimed at determining the feasibility and cost effectiveness of switching from diesel-powered buses to electric battery buses statewide. The plan is to eventually transition all 27 buses in the Beverly fleet from diesel fuel to electric-battery power. "Students were excited to ride the electric school bus for the first time," Beverly officials celebrated of the trip. "No toxic emissions from this all electric bus." Beverly's new electric school bus took its debut run yesterday picking up students at Cove Elementary School to take...Posted by MyBeverly01915 on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 The city said that, in addition to offering zero emissions, the buses offer greater efficiency with fuel cost savings and lower maintenance costs over time. The new buses also offer students wireless internet and an enhanced ventilation system — particularly important amid the coronavirus health crisis and typical influenza seasons. Beverly submitted a proposal for funds to lease the electric bus from Highland Electric Transportation of Hamilton last summer. In September, the city was designated to receive a second bus in the pilot program through funds awarded to Highland. The second bus is likely to arrive early next year. (Scott Souza is a Patch Field Editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at [email protected]. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.) Related Patch Coverage: Beverly To Get Second Electric Battery School Bus Through Grant It's Electric As Beverly Unveils New School Bus