Independence Local Schools has added a new school bus to its transportation fleet, bringing updated safety features, improved durability, and enhanced comfort for students.
The district recently purchased a 2027 IC Corp school bus, the first new bus added to the fleet in three years. The bus includes the latest safety technologies and a clean diesel engine designed to ensure reliable and secure transportation for students each day.
Safety was a top priority in the selection of the new vehicle. The bus includes electronic stability control, interior and exterior LED lighting for improved visibility and durability, and a full interior and exterior camera system. It is also equipped with a “No Student Left Behind” child monitoring system and lighted cross-view mirrors that illuminate children’s crossing paths in low light conditions. Dual-height entrance handrails were installed to provide added safety for both younger students and adults entering the bus.
The bus was also designed with long-term durability in mind. It features 14-gauge steel threaded body bows for added structural strength to help protect occupants and 16-gauge steel construction with a galvanized coating for corrosion resistance. Additional durability features include a Navflex-coated fuel tank and stepwell and seat frames that are ready for seat belt installation. The vehicle also includes onboard GPS diagnostics.
Students will also benefit from added comfort features, including a white roof to help reflect heat, tinted windows, air ride suspension, and a premium air ride driver’s seat.
The addition of the new bus is part of the district’s ongoing effort to maintain a safe and reliable transportation fleet. While the district has added newer buses in recent years, several vehicles in the current fleet date back more than 15 to 20 years. The oldest buses in service were purchased in 2003 and 2004 and each have logged more than 170,000 miles. Other buses in the fleet range from model years 2007 through 2018, with mileage ranging from approximately 76,000 to more than 150,000 miles.
District officials say the new bus will help ensure dependable transportation for students while the district continues its long-term plan to gradually replace aging vehicles. The district continued to actively recruit for bus drivers and interested individuals can find out more at https://www.independence.k12.oh.us/o/ils/page/personnel
The bus was purchased using district permanent improvement funds as part of the district’s regular bus replacement schedule.