Warren County Schools

 
 

Superintendent	Timothy Murley
Transportation Director	John Odom
Address:	303 Lovers Lane Bowling Green KY 42104
Phone:	270.781.5150
Web Site:	www.warren.k12.ky.us
School Colors:
Total Bus Fleet Size:	239
Hybrids:	4

Hybrid Electric School Buses Take to the Road in Warren County

April 11, 2011 – Four new hybrid electric school buses capable of improving fuel efficiency an average of 35% have joined the fleet of 239 traditional school buses in Warren County.

The hybrid electric school buses, manufactured by Thomas Built Buses with the Eaton Hybrid System, were delivered today. The keys to the new hybrid electric school buses were presented to Superintendent Tim Murley by Bill Glisson, Whayne Supply.

Superintendent Tim Murley with Transportation Director John Odom.

Kentucky will have the distinction of having the largest hybrid electric school bus fleet in the nation. Warren County is one of the 30 districts awarded a share of the $13 million in funding from the U.S.
Department of Energy, adding a total of 213 hybrid electric vehicles to public school fleets across
Kentucky. At approximately $150,000 per vehicle, hybrid electric school buses cost twice as much as
traditional school buses. The grant offsets the differential costs for local districts.

“We’re excited about getting the hybrid buses, it will be more energy efficient. In warren county we have
put many things in place to conserve energy with our buildings and with our energy education. This is one
more initiative to help conserve energy and protect the environment,” says Superintendent Murley.
“We are encouraging school systems throughout the state to improve efficiency while being
environmentally conscious,” says Commissioner Terry Holliday with the Kentucky Department of
Education. “The new technology will also provide learning opportunities for students on real-world issues
like fuel consumption, air quality and transportation costs.”

The Hybrid Horsepower for Kentucky Schools program is a collaborative effort between the Kentucky
Clean Fuels Coalition (KCFC) and the Kentucky Department of Education. Performance data for these
hybrid electric school buses will be gathered by KCFC, a non-profit organization.

“Early performance data shows remarkable results in hybrid buses across Kentucky,” says Melissa M.
Howell, Executive Director of KCFC. “Soon we will be working directly with teachers and students to
further detail operations of the systems,” adds Howell.

WCPS Add Four Hybrid Buses to Their Fleet

Bill Glisson of Whayne presents the key to Jay WIlson, Energy Manager, Johnny Watkins, Asst Trans Director of WCPS, and Supt Murley.	Supt Murley, Trans Dir Odom, and Jay WIlson
Supt Murley being interviewed by Haley Harmon, WBKO TV
Trans Dir Odom explaining the hybrid system to Jenna Mink, Bowling Green Daily News	Johnny Watkins and Supt Murley checking out the hybrid system

In the News:

Hybrid Buses Save on Fuel Costs, Bowling Green Daily News