The Hall County School District is adding more than two dozen schools buses to its transportation fleet.
Fourteen of the vehicles have already been delivered and members of the school board got a look at one of them during a break in their Monday night work session. Board member Mark Pettitt said he was impressed with what he saw.
"We've got a great transportation staff," Pettitt said. "I think we have one of the most efficient and cost effective transportation departments in the state, and safety is the number one priority for those folks and I appreciate it."
The 27 new vehicles differ from current buses because the engine is located in the rear of the bus, according to Director of Transportation Clay Hobbs. He said the rear placement distributes the weight of the engine evenly over four tires, as opposed to two, which reduces wear and tear. Also, the engine placement allows mechanics easier access.
"Our department will benefit greatly from these new transits. The engine placement makes the driver compartment safer, and there is less engine noise in the front of the bus, which makes hearing the students and the radio much easier," Hobbs said in a press statement issued last week.
Hobbs said the newer design will save the district and the community time and money.
"Other advantages are the savings we will see in maintenance and tire cost. Replacement of steer tires will be cut by a one third to one-half, and we estimate half the time for monthly engine maintenance. In all, we expect the students, drivers, and mechanics to be very happy with these buses," Hobbs said.
Of the 14 vehicles already in the fleet, 10 will be used for special education travel purposes, while four transit vehicles will replace older buses in the district’s regular transit fleet. Hobbs said the remaining 13 transit buses will replace older buses once they arrive.
Financing for the new vehicles comes from general obligation bonds approved by voters in the June 9, 2020 referendum.
