RJUHSD first in Placer County to receive Type-D electric school bus fleet

The Roseville Joint Union High School District (RJUHSD) will receive the first Type-D electric school buses in Placer County, according to an A-Z Bus Sales press release. Two of a total of 18 electric buses from Blue Bird, funded by about 90% in grant funding, have arrived at the school district. Over the next six months to two years, RJUHSD will receive 16 more electric buses, making 40% of the district's fleet electric, said district spokesperson Kayla Scott. Blue Bird manufactures different types of school buses. According to its website, Blue Bird was the first to market electric school buses in 1994. "These new buses will have lower emissions, lower running costs, reduced maintenance, better air quality, be less noisy and provide for a more comfortable environment for passengers," said Scott. To prepare for the buses, Scott said the district has installed 20 charging stations in the bus yard. According to the A-Z Bus Sales press release, it is anticipated the electric fleet will save up to 80% in fuel costs and 50% on maintenance, as compared to a diesel vehicle. "It's exciting to be part of this transition from diesel to electric and to share the experience with Roseville Joint Union High School District with these new electric buses," said Director of School Bus Sales at A-Z Bus Sales Pete Tuckerman in the press release. "To have a trusted school bus manufacturer like Blue Bird, who's been building school buses for over 90 years and leading the industry with alternative fuel buses, partner with an engine and technology provider like Cummins, who's been building drivetrains and engines for over 100 years, provides the confidence school districts need to overcome hesitations of adopting this technology into their fleets." A-Z Bus Sales is a transportation distributor specializing in EVs for education, government, public sector, commercial, and private fleets, according to the press release. The addition of the new buses was celebrated by numerous community members, including RJUSD officials, California Air Resources Board (CARB) officials, Air Quality Management District officials, Blue Bird representatives, and state legislators' representatives. "Transitioning older school buses into new zero-emission buses is a critical piece in improving the air quality and public health is our top priority. Protecting the health of our most vulnerable residents – our children – is paramount," said A-Z Bus Sales CEO John Landherr.