IPS unveils new safer, more efficient buses

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Indianapolis Public Schools is unveiling 100 new school buses in time for the first day of classes.

IPS says the buses are safer and more efficient.

Mayor Joe Hogsett and transportation leaders will unveil the new buses on Friday morning.

The school board approved the new bus plan in April.

Before the new buses, the district’s buses were at least 10 years old.

40 percent of them have more than 100,000 miles.

The new buses are propane fueled. They also have digital cameras and three point seat belts for every student on board.

The district says it’s youngest students will be sure to ride the new buses.

Before, Pre-K students could not ride on buses, now they will experience the new seat belts.

IPS administrators say they will lease the buses and eventually own them for about $100,000 per bus.

That includes the maintenance costs for each bus.

200 more buses are set to be added to the fleet for the 2017-18 school year.