East Penn School District is rolling into the 2026-2027 school year with 33 new 77-passenger Blue Bird buses, featuring enhanced safety, visibility, comfort, and operational improvements for our students, drivers, and transportation team.
The new buses include several enhanced safety features designed to provide drivers with greater visibility around their vehicles. A non-recording front camera mounted on the grille provides a real-time view of the area directly in front of the bus, helping drivers see students as they cross. When the bus is stopped for loading or unloading, the camera’s real-time display appears in the driver’s rearview mirror. Each bus is also equipped with a non-recording rear backup camera.
Exterior visibility has also been improved with LED headlights, running lights, and eight-way warning flashers. Inside, brighter LED cabin lighting makes it easier for students and drivers to see and navigate the bus.
Another important safety enhancement is the Child Check system. The system automatically activates once the bus reaches 10 mph. After the bus is parked, the driver must walk the entire length of the bus to deactivate an alarm switch located at the rear, helping ensure the driver physically checks the passenger area before leaving the vehicle. Each bus is also equipped with an intruder sensor, which operates similarly to a vehicle alarm.
Several updates were made with student and driver comfort in mind. Tinted windows help reduce glare and sun exposure while also helping lower cabin temperatures. The buses also feature white roofs, which reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption inside the vehicle.
For drivers, the new buses include heated seats, additional storage compartments, and additional mounted fans in the driver area. The fans increase air circulation to help more quickly reduce fogging on the windshield, driver windows, and access-door window panels.
Emergency equipment, including the fire extinguisher, first aid kit, and bodily fluid cleanup kit, is now housed together in an interior cabinet at the front of the bus, making essential equipment easier to locate and access in an emergency. Fuses that were previously housed in an exterior metal box have also been relocated inside the bus, providing easier access for staff while helping protect the equipment from unauthorized access and accidental damage.
The improvements extend behind the scenes as well. Interior operational wiring is now organized into zones rather than running throughout the entire length of the bus. This allows East Penn transportation mechanics to more quickly diagnose, isolate, and repair electrical issues, helping reduce the amount of time a bus may be out of service for maintenance.
From enhanced visibility and student safety to driver comfort and more efficient maintenance, the addition of these 33 buses reflects East Penn School District’s continued commitment to providing safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for our students each school day.