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Atascadero transportation chief outlines aging fleet, $3.38 million in electric‑bus grants and short‑term diesel options
Summary
District transportation staff told trustees on Jan. 14 that Atascadero Unified’s yellow‑bus fleet is aging and that the district has secured $3,380,000 in grants toward an electric‑bus initiative; officials recommended interim diesel replacements to sustain routes while charging infrastructure is built.
Parents and a community member urged the board to pursue electric buses and solar canopies; later the district’s transportation team briefed trustees on an aging fleet, active grant awards and interim replacement options.
Why it matters: Transportation affects student safety, special education routes and daily operations. District staff said the fleet’s age and mechanical problems are forcing frequent roadside rescues and that at least seven buses likely need replacement within 24 months to maintain current service.
Public comment urging electrification At the meeting’s public‑comment portion, community member Ronnie DeCoster praised the board’s prior vote authorizing staff to pursue grant funding for electric buses and urged the district to “consider directing district staff to research the availability of grants or other available funding for constructing solar canopy canopies at our schools,” noting nearby districts already use canopies to reduce utility…
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