Riding Out Fully Charged: Baldwin County Schools Rolls Out Six New Electric Buses

EricJones
8 hours ago
2 min read

Baldwin County Schools is driving into the future with the arrival of six brand-new electric school buses, one of only a handful of districts in Georgia, and one of the first rural systems, to make this leap. But while the buses themselves are a milestone, the heart of the story lies with the people behind the wheel.

Baldwin’s New Fleet

Ms. Yoyo behind the wheel of her new EV Bus.

One of those people is Yolanda “Ms. Yoyo” Grant. Beloved by students for her joy and energy, she has recently become something of a local celebrity, featured on 13WMAZ and 41NBC as the face of Baldwin’s electric bus fleet. Ms. Yoyo has been driving buses for nearly 40 years, and she says the difference is unmistakable.

“The ride is so smooth and quiet,” she said, “A lot of times I wonder if the bus is still on! No fumes at all. It’s just remarkable to be an EV driver.” Her students feel the difference too. “They are enjoying it to the max,” she added. “They say, ‘I can sit by three people and they’re not touching me!’ It’s very spacious, and I’m just delighted to be their driver.”

Driving Innovation Forward

But Baldwin’s shift to electric wasn’t just luck. It was the result of vision and leadership. Transportation Director Eric Little began applying for federal funding back in 2023. “I first applied around September 2023,” Little explained. “In May of 2024, we were notified we received funding for six buses. And now—they’re finally here. One of the biggest benefits is zero emissions. No pollutants in the bus or in the air. Just a cleaner, safer ride for our students and community.”

Putting Safety First

Bus Trainer Andre Morris sees another benefit: safety. After decades of training Baldwin’s drivers, he knows that every detail matters when it comes to protecting students. “I love the braking,” he said. “You have more control with maneuverability. And it’s quiet. You can really listen to your students. All the way around, it’s safe.” He added that the design focuses on loading and unloading, one of the most important moments in every driver’s day: “These EV buses could really help reduce accidents.”

Together, their stories tell more than just the launch of new vehicles. They show Baldwin County Schools at its best: forward-thinking, community-driven, and committed to doing what’s right for students.

Thanks to the dedication of leaders like Eric Little, the steady guidance of trainers like Andre Morris, and the love and joy of drivers like Ms. Yoyo, Baldwin County is proving that the future of school transportation is here.

And with these buses on the road, Baldwin is riding out fully charged!