School transportation provider Petermann Bus, a subsidiary of National Express, has donated a school bus to Middletown City Schools’ music department and school district to transport students and staff to music competitions and community events. The “Middie Music Bus,” as the school has fondly named it, also will be used for new teacher orientation, community tours, and as a promotional vehicle for back-to-school events.

This donation was made as part of Petermann Bus’s company-wide Partners Beyond the Bus community outreach program. These bus donations help repurpose retired, non-electric vehicles from the company’s fleets, further contributing to the transition to alternative fuel-powered and zero-emission buses. Petermann Bus plans on transitioning to an all-zero-emission fleet by 2035.

“We are thrilled that our bus donation will help fill a significant need in the community and lessen the stress and burden on the school staff to find transportation for their events,” said Mike Settle, senior vice president of operations for Petermann Bus. “Anything we can do to help support our students, teachers, and community; we will try our best to assist. We see it as our responsibility. We know it will be put to good use and are excited to see the 'Middie Music Bus' around town.”

“The Middletown City School District would like to thank Peterman Bus for this unique bus, which has been outfitted in the school’s official color Middie Purple and the school district insignia,” said Eric Sotzing, director of business operations of Middletown City Schools. “The bus is a major game-changer for the school as it will provide our students and staff with a reliable and safe means of transportation to a variety of school and community events throughout the region. The Middie Bus will definitely help spread Middie Pride through the Community. We are extremely fortunate to have Petermann as part of our community. It’s difficult to find partners as reliable and supportive as them. We have truly lucked out.”