A Healthier Ride to School: How Electric Buses Support Student Mental Health
At Highland Electric Fleets, we’ve long understood that transportation isn’t just about getting students to school, it’s part of the learning environment. New research now affirms that the conditions of the school commute can influence how students feel, focus, and perform throughout the day.
A Clear Signal from Parents
In a national survey conducted with Echelon Insights, 60% of parents and voters said transportation impacts students’ emotional well-being and academic readiness. For many families, the traditional diesel bus presents challenges, from loud noise and vibration to exposure to exhaust. That daily stress can add up, particularly for students with sensory sensitivities.
Parents pointed to the benefits of electric school buses: a quieter cabin, a smoother ride, and fewer environmental irritants. In districts already operating electric fleets, school staff report that students arrive more at ease and better able to engage with the school day.
Transportation as a Wellness Tool
Student wellness is often discussed in terms of curriculum, counseling, and nutrition—but transportation is a missing piece of the puzzle. The school bus is where many students begin and end their day, yet it’s rarely considered in broader strategies to support well-being.
Ross Szabo, CEO of the Human Power Project and a national mental health advocate, underscored the point: “We can’t talk about student mental health without addressing their surroundings and routine—and that includes their transportation experience to and from school. A calmer, quieter school bus experience is a simple way to cut down on stress, help kids show up ready to learn, and set a more relaxed tone for the start and end of their day.”
It’s not just about comfort, it’s about consistency. For younger students and those who are neurodivergent, a more predictable, less stimulating commute can help create the conditions for success.
A Shift That Reaches Beyond the Classroom
As more districts look to modernize their fleets, they’re recognizing the broader value of electric buses, not just in terms of maintenance and emissions, but in how they contribute to healthier learning environments.
As Highland CEO Duncan McIntyre recently wrote, “A quieter ride to school can shape how students learn, grow, and show up each day. It’s a meaningful change that benefits today’s students and the generations that follow.”
This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re focusing on the ways electric school buses can support students from the moment they leave home, helping them arrive at school not only on time, but ready to thrive.
