First Student outlines PG&E‑funded plan for three electric school buses; district questions ownership and charger costs

First Student representatives briefed the Silver Falls School District board on a PG&E grant to electrify part of the district's bus fleet, outlining costs, timelines and operational details for three Type C buses.

"We are the leader in electric buses in the U.S. and Canada," Greg Newman, regional vice president for First Student, said, describing a national fleet the company says includes hundreds of electric buses. Newman told the board PG&E had awarded $703,000 toward three buses and about $50,000 toward infrastructure; the full estimated cost is $1,278,000. "There is a shortfall in the funding. First Student will pick up the price difference," he said, adding that the arrangement would not require additional district funding.

Board members asked how many of First Student's electric buses were purchased without subsidies and how the district should think about ownership and future costs. Newman said many U.S. purchases have relied on grants and that electric buses can cost roughly three times a diesel bus. "They roughly cost almost $400,000 plus the infrastructure per bus," he said, compared with "around $125,000" for a conventional diesel bus.

Direct questions from the board centered on infrastructure permanence and responsibility if the district changed contractors: "All of that is subject to conversations that we would have. It's not our intent to rip it out," Newman said, while acknowledging the company would not want to leave the equipment if a contract ended without agreement. Newman said batteries are projected to last eight to ten years and come with manufacturer warranties; the owner of the bus would be responsible for replacement costs.

Newman described operational benefits, including quieter rides and regenerative braking. He also provided a high‑level timeline: First Student estimates about 16 months from project start to a bus entering service, accounting for site electrical work and vehicle delivery. Board members raised operational concerns, including range in hilly terrain, charging times and whether in‑town versus hill routes could create perceived equity differences among students. Newman said typical range was "anywhere between 100 to 140 miles on a charge" and that batteries can recharge during downhill operation.

First Student provided a written packet to the board with a map of prior electrification awards, an outline of training and safety testing, a timeline, a list of frequently asked questions and a table of costs. The company said it has not experienced thermal events on electric buses in its fleet and that maintenance costs can be lower because there is no oil to change.

Board members asked district staff to continue vetting the proposal, clarify site plans for chargers at the bus barn, and confirm contract terms and long‑term ownership before advancing the project.