COLTON, Calif. — A-Z Bus Sales, Inc., a leading provider of clean transportation solutions, celebrated the unveiling of seven new all-electric Blue Bird school buses this week throughout California.
These celebration events and ribbon-cutting ceremonies included: the first Type-D transit all-electric school bus in the Fresno/Central Valley, delivered to Fowler Unified School District; the first Type-D transit all-electric school bus in the Greater Sacramento area, delivered to Twin Rivers Unified School District; and the first-ever Type-C conventional all-electric Blue Bird in the country, delivered to Chico Unified School District.
These all-electric zero emission school buses are built by Blue Bird, powered by Cummins. They are being funded in large part with the California Climate Investments initiative through Cap and Trade funds. Those are a combination of local and state grant funding, in conjunction with California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local Air Quality Management Districts.
School district officials, community members, CARB officials, Air Quality Management District officials, manufacturers’ representatives, and state legislators’ representatives all joined, along with media outlets, and in some cases, the children who are riding the new electric buses, to celebrate the deployment of these clean zero-emission vehicles.
“Transitioning older school buses into new zero-emission buses is a critical piece in improving the Valley’s air quality and public health,” said Samir Sheikh, executive director/air pollution control officer of the Valley Air District. “Protecting the health of our most vulnerable residents—our children—is paramount.”
“The adoption of electric vehicles, and particularly school buses, continues to accelerate here in California,” said John Landherr, CEO and president at A-Z Bus Sales in Colton and Sacramento, California. “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 works closely with school districts in assisting with grant applications and helping to source funding opportunities—not only for school bus replacements but also with the infrastructure that is required to support the electric buses. Anticipated savings to the school districts include up to 80 percent savings in fuel costs, with up to 50 percent savings on maintenance over a traditional diesel-powered vehicle.
“It’s exciting to be part of this transition from diesel to electric, and to share our experience with other school districts as they come on board with these new electric buses,” said Tim Shannon, director of transportation at Twin Rivers Unified School District. “Thank you, Blue Bird, for your commitment to assist us on our journey.”
California Climate Investments
CCI is a statewide initiative that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment—particularly in disadvantaged communities. http://www.caclimateinvestments.ca.gov
About A-Z Bus Sales, Inc.
A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. is a transportation dealer-distributor serving the education, government, public sector, commercial and private fleet markets with a broad portfolio of passenger transportation solutions. The employee-owned company specializes in clean alternative fuel products. A-Z provides sales, service, parts, and financing for both new and pre-owned buses.
Founded in 1976, A-Z Bus Sales has built a reputation for long-lasting customer relationships, professionalism and integrity, and the share positions in markets served. Headquartered in Colton, California, the company has multiple sales and service locations serving California, Arizona, Nevada and Hawaii. 800-437-5522 and http://www.a-zbus.com
