The Hingham School Committee has unanimously approved a seven-year lease agreement with Highland Fleet for three electric school buses, marking a significant step toward sustainable transportation within the district.
During the December 16, 2024 meeting, committee member Jen Benham moved to authorize the superintendent to sign the contract, pending legal counsel's review.
In addition to the lease agreement, the committee voted to include an article in the town warrant for the 2025 town meeting concerning the electric buses, demonstrating a commitment to eco-friendly transportation solutions.
This initiative aligns with the district's broader goals of reducing its carbon footprint and promoting environmental sustainability.
The introduction of electric buses is expected to provide long-term cost savings and health benefits by reducing emissions and lowering fuel and maintenance expenses. According to the Environmental Protection Agency and American School Bus Council, A standard school bus driving about 12,000 miles per year emits roughly 40,000 pounds (20 tons) of CO2 annually.
The district is preparing to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to select a vendor for the electric bus project, ensuring compliance with procurement procedures.
The RFP will request pricing examples for different contract lengths, likely including both five-year and seven-year options. Based on initial pricing from Highland Capital, a seven-year contract may be the most favorable option.