(Radio Iowa) – The Cedar Rapids Community School District is now running two all-electric school buses, the only ones in the state. School Transportation Manager Scott Wing says the e-buses have several advantages, including the fact they’re eco-friendly. “There are no tailpipe emissions for these vehicles,” Wing says. “We have students that are around the buses at bus stops, at schools, while they’re loading. Emissions are certainly something that crosses your mind when you’re thinking about the pollution aspect and emissions going into lungs.”

Electric school bus (Cedar Rapids CSD photo via Flickr)

The e-buses are part of the district’s partnership with the Iowa Department of Tranporation and Alliant Energy. The Nevada and Sigourney school districts acquired electric-diesel hybrid buses in 2008.