Northstar Bus Lines currently has the largest Electric School Bus Fleet in Minnesota. This is thanks to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and Osseo School District. Last week, Northstar Bus Lines terminal manager, Chelaine Crego, joined the MPCA and Osseo School District to announce the arrival of three new electric school buses as part of a pilot program headed by the MPCA.

The pilot was created to support cleaner vehicle technology, reduce air pollution, and help achieve Minnesota's goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by 2050. In addition, the feasibility of the electric bus technology in the cold Minnesota climate will be tracked. 

The Osseo School District was one of five districts awarded grants totaling more than 2.1 million. Eight school buses will be participating in the pilot. Each bus costs $388,000. Northstar paid $88,000 toward each of the three buses received. Each electric bus is the equivalent of removing 5 cars off the road or reducing pollution from GHG emissions by 23 tons. This is an excellent start to protecting the environment by using clean and renewable energy sources. 

These buses are the future at Northstar Bus Lines as there are plans to expand this fleet. Northstar Bus Lines owner, Matthew Regan, is a forward thinker and has already modified the garage with five electric charging stations in addition to its new solar power panels.

“It is about the environment being healthy and clean, and these buses do that.” stated Chelaine Crego.

While there are differences between the typical diesel and electric bus, a key difference according to school bus driver Keith Thompson, “I didn't hear the engine sound.” In fact, the bus is so quiet it's equipped to play music like an ice cream truck when traveling 15mph or slower.  

The best part so far has been the students' reaction to the bus. Many refer to it as the “Tesla Bus.” For those that have not gotten a chance to ride it, requests have been made to get one on their route too.