HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — James Madison University and Virginia Clean Cities have collaborated to bring a new electric-powered “Gus Bus” to Harrisonburg.

The electric mobile classroom was made possible by the Mid-Atlantic Electrification Partnership project and is part of JMU’s community academic enrichment program for pre-K through 5th grade students in the city.

An inside look at the gus bus featuring all wood panels with bench seating and shelves full of books.
A look inside the new electric Gus Bus. Photo source: Linden Kiser.

At a press event this morning, Program Director Rachel Gagliardi highlighted the many ways the Gus Bus brings learning to children.

“We have the mobile classroom vehicles, or ‘Gus Buses’, which we drive into neighborhoods. We also have some school-based afterschool programming , tutoring programs, and summer camps.”

An inside look at the gus bus featuring all wood panels with bench seating and shelves full of books.

A look inside the new electric Gus Bus. Photo source: Linden Kiser.

Gagliardi says the new electric bus will also cut gas costs for the fleet and their accompanying generators as they visit neighbors and will help reduce the area’s carbon footprint.