Walla Walla Drives Ahead With Washington’s Biggest Electric School Bus Fleet
The Washington district’s 18 new Thomas Built electric buses mark an EV milestone for the Evergreen State. The buses were funded by both state and federal grants.
The electric buses, which are currently active in the district’s transportation schedule, are projected to save approximately $4,000 per bus annually in fuel costs.
Photo: Walla Walla Public Schools
2 min to read
During a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Southeast Washington Transportation Cooperative, Walla Walla Public Schools launched its new electric bus fleet comprised of 18 electric school buses, six of which are equipped with wheelchair lifts.
This addition positions the district with the largest electric school bus fleet in the state of Washington, which was made possible through substantial state and federal support, including grant funding from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Washington State Department of Ecology.
Ad Loading...
“Today marks a milestone not just for our school district but for the entire Walla Walla Valley,” said Superintendent Dr. Wade Smith. “This fleet reflects the kind of bold, forward-thinking, and collaborative leadership that defines Walla Walla Public Schools.”
The electric buses, which are currently active in the district’s transportation schedule, are projected to save approximately $4,000 per bus annually in fuel costs — a significant step toward long-term financial and environmental sustainability.
“That’s not just good economics,” added Dr. Smith. “It’s responsible stewardship of our public resources and a commitment to our children’s future.”
The Department of Ecology launched a $10 million grant program in 2021 to assist school districts in transitioning to cleaner, all-electric bus fleets.
Photo: Walla Walla Public Schools
A Shift Toward Cleaner School Transportation
According to a district release, transportation is the largest contributor to climate pollution in Washington State, accounting for nearly 50% of total greenhouse gas emissions.
A Department of Ecology study revealed that diesel exhaust is responsible for 70% of airborne cancer risks in the state. In response, the Department of Ecology launched a $10 million grant program in 2021 to assist school districts in transitioning to cleaner, all-electric bus fleets.
Ad Loading...
The district recognized several key partners during the ceremony, including Columbia REA, Schetky Northwest, Hays Electric, and Eagon Excavation, for their contributions to the project. Superintendent Smith also praised Transportation Director John Griffith and his team and Director of Fiscal Services Janette Jeffiris for their leadership in bringing the project to fruition.
“On behalf of our school board, administration, staff, and the 5,500 students we proudly serve—thank you,” Dr. Smith said. “Thank you for supporting a cleaner, healthier future. Thank you for believing in what’s possible. Today, we’ve made history — and we’ve made a difference.”
At its annual rally, the organization spotlighted propane and electric school bus advancements while recognizing leaders driving forward-looking student transportation.
From federal oversight fixes to state funding milestones and district deployments, the transition to cleaner school transportation continues to advance.
The gasoline-powered bus features the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine and industry-first compression brake, joining the OEM's C2 powertrain lineup for 2026.
Stop reacting to engine lights and start predicting them. This guide reveals how transitioning from a "break-fix" model to a data-driven maintenance strategy can drastically reduce fleet downtime and protect your district's budget. Learn how to transform your garage operations from a cost center into a reliability powerhouse.
InCharge Energy has expanded into Canada through partnerships with RocketEV and Foreseeson, aiming to deliver end-to-end EV charging infrastructure and support for fleet and public-sector customers.
Canada’s first electric school bus report card finds that most provinces are failing the transition away from diesel buses used for student transportation.
Searching for the right equipment, technology, or services for your school transportation program? This industry guide brings together manufacturers and suppliers across the entire school bus market, all in one place. Download it to find the partners who can help move your operation forward.
