A new study by Highland Electric Fleets shows that voters and parents strongly associate electrical school buses with better pupil mental health, especially for children with special needs and sensitivity to sensory. The findings reflect a growing understanding of how school transport affects student well-being and learning preparation.
60% of respondents and over two-thirds of parents (67%) agree that students have improved their school performance and gained mental health experience by reducing environmental stressors such as noise and smoke on the school bus.
70% of respondents and a large 81% parents believe that quieter and smoother school bus rides are somewhat important to reduce overall mental well-being and stress for students.
Multiple respondents and parents (43%) believe that electric buses are better for students with sensory sensitivity, such as nervous students.
Two in three respondents (65%) (65%) and more than seven in ten mothers (71%) have expressed some concern about the health effects of diesel school bus contamination on students.
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Two-thirds of our parents (67%) believe that reducing stressors such as diesel smoke and noise during school commutes can help support children’s emotional and academic success. This sentiment is more widely reflected. 70% of voters say a more gentle ride is important for students’ mental health, with that number rising to 81% among parents.
When asked which type of bus would better support students’ mental health, voters were four times more likely to choose electricity over diesel. Concerns about diesel exposure are common, with two-thirds of voters expressing at least some concern, including 71% of mothers.
Support is further enhanced when respondents consider students with sensory sensitivity or those with nervousness. Many people see the quiet, smooth ride of electric buses as a meaningful way to reduce sensory stress and create a more inclusive experience. For these students, and for others, there is growing awareness that reducing exposure to diesel exhaust can contribute to a healthy ride overall.
“We’re looking forward to seeing you in the world,” said Duncan McIntyre, founder and CEO of Highland Electric Fleet. “At Highlands, we are proud to work with school districts around the country to help them move from diesel to electricity, because it’s not just about reducing air and emissions, but also providing a more gentle, healthy and quiet ride that will help students succeed.”
