School Bus Forever Additional Ounce Forever Stamp 2023
Celebrating the Iconic Yellow School Bus
Purpose of the Stamp:
This stamp was issued to honor the iconic yellow school bus and its vital role in transporting millions of children to and from school every day.
Design Details:
Created by artist Steve Wolf in his first collaboration with the USPS, the stamp features a modern yellow school bus set against a backdrop that includes the silhouette of an American flag and a schoolhouse. The clock on the schoolhouse shows approximately 7:50 a.m., reflecting the typical time many students arrive at school. The beige and tan background gives the design a vintage, yet timeless feel, symbolizing the long-standing service of school buses and their evolution over the years.
Issuance Information:
The stamp, covering the Additional Ounce Rate, was issued in both sheet and coil formats. It was released in High Point, North Carolina, without a First Day of Issue Ceremony.
Historical Context:
Before the advent of school buses, most children walked to school. This began to change in the mid-19th century with the introduction of ??kid hacks,?? horse-drawn carriages designed to transport children. Although these early vehicles offered minimal protection from the elements, they marked the start of school transportation.
In 1914, Wayne Works produced the first ??horseless?? school bus, and by 1919, funding for school buses was available in all 48 states. Over the next two decades, school bus design evolved, and by the 1930s, the familiar style we recognize today was established. It was also during this time that "National School Bus Glossy Yellow" was standardized to ensure high visibility.
Modern Safety and Usage:
Modern school buses are equipped with numerous safety features, including cross-view mirrors, stop arms, and flashing lights, making them some of the safest vehicles on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Transportation Safety Board, riding a school bus is over 70 times safer than riding in a regular car. This is reassuring for the more than 27 million American children who rely on school buses daily.
This stamp not only celebrates the school bus's iconic status but also underscores its enduring importance in American education and safety.
