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COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Out with the old and in with the new.

South Carolina schools will roll into the New Year with 342 brand new school buses.

At a price tag of just over $82,000 each.

“I want you to know that transporting your children safely to school in a timely manner is a top priority for the South Carolina Department of Education, says State Superintendent Mick Zais.

The new school buses will replace all model years 1984- 1988. 

The South Carolina Department of Education was able to make the $28 million dollar purchase thanks to unclaimed lottery money that the General Assembly set aside.

Superintendent Zais says the new buses have some great perks.

"These buses are 29% more fuel efficient than the buses that they will be replacing on regular routes. Of course that means there will be an enormous savings in the cost of fuel. It also means these buses are far better for the environment,” says Superintendent Zais.

Also all buses are all equipped to transport students with disabilities.

Here in the Midlands surrounding school districts such as Fairfield, Calhoun, Lexington, Newberry and Richland County are set to receive 67 buses altogether.

Zais has already requested 34 million in next years budget for additional bus purchases.