SCRANTON, Pa. — It's viewed as a more environmentally friendly way to get the kids to school.
On Tuesday, the Scranton School District unveiled its two newest electric school buses at Pete's Garage in Scranton.
"Our students will benefit from them. They're beautiful. If you haven't had an opportunity to take a look at them, please do," said Scranton School Board President Ty Holmes.
Reaching 139 miles on a single charge, the EV-powered machines bring a new way of travel and transportation to the Electric City and the Keystone State.
"Well, we got awarded nearly $20 million to do projects across five counties. So we did them in Dauphin Luzerne, Lackawanna, Bradford, and Tioga counties," said Rich Tarapchak, Account Manager for Rohrer School & Commercial Bus Sales.
Back in 2023, the Scranton School district opted into the US Environmental Protection Agency's clean bus program.
Working with Rohrer Sales & Commercial Bus Sales, the district hopes to have 25 Electric buses join its fleet.
"There were some supply chain issues that delayed them short, but they came in and, and we got them now and we're ready to go," said Tarapchak.
According to the Environmental Defense Fund, electric school buses have lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to fossil fuel-powered buses.
Making up for its higher purchase price.
"It's great for the environment, but also it's great for our students in driving a more safe bus. And um, so I think it's a great thing, and I hope it does expand not only in our district, other districts," said Scranton School Board Director Sean McAndrew.
Before students get on the new buses, school administrators say the vehicles will have to go through local and state inspection processes.