SUMMERS COUNTY W.Va. (Hinton News) – Summers County Schools is proud to announce the arrival of its first electric school bus, marking an important step forward in student transportation, environmental responsibility, and community innovation.
The new electric school bus, a Thomas Jouley EV, was made possible through an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant along with a $50,000 investment from Summers County Board of Education. This combined funding represents roughly one-third of the cost typically required to purchase a new diesel bus, demonstrating strong fiscal responsibility and strategic use of available resources.
In addition to immediate savings, the purchase increases the overall value of the county’s bus fleet. This, in turn, positions Summers County Schools to receive additional transportation funding from the state based on fleet valuation.
The new electric bus will serve students in and around Hinton, being used for educational travel, including routes connected to the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. This unique opportunity allows students to experience firsthand the connection between modern technology and the preservation of one of the nation’s most treasured natural resources.
“This is a proud day for Summers County,” Transportation Director Bryan Boone said. “This bus represents our commitment to student safety, cleaner air, and being responsible with the resources entrusted to us.”
Electric school buses provide a quieter ride for students and significantly reduce emissions compared to traditional diesel buses. In addition to environmental benefits, the district anticipates long-term savings through reduced fuel and maintenance costs.
As part of the rollout, Summers County hosted a hands-on safety orientation involving district mechanics, local first responders, and law enforcement personnel. This collaborative effort ensures that all involved agencies are fully prepared and trained to safely operate and respond to this new technology.
“Safety is always our top priority,” Boone added. “Bringing our mechanics, emergency responders, and law enforcement together from day one ensures we are ready, informed, and working as a team.”
The addition of the electric bus also provides new learning opportunities for students, exposing them to emerging technologies and potential career paths in transportation, energy, and advanced vehicle systems.
Summers County Schools continues to focus on innovation while maintaining its strong commitment to the students, families, and community it serves.
