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Board ratifies CalSTART zero‑emission school bus grant, district to purchase four electric buses
Summary
District staff said a CalSTART grant will cover most costs for four electric buses and charging infrastructure; the district will pay roughly $400,000 total and approved piggyback procurement of Bluebird buses, with delivery estimated around 12 months and a 36‑month decommission window for identified diesel buses.
The board ratified a CalSTART zero‑emission school bus incentive grant and approved a piggyback procurement that will allow the district to order Bluebird electric buses and associated charging infrastructure.
The nut graf: Gabe told trustees that the grant covers most of the cost for four electric buses and that Travis Unified’s share is estimated at about $400,000 — roughly the cost of one electric bus — while the district must provide purchase orders within 10 days of signing and has 36 months after delivery to retire selected diesel buses.
Gabe said the grant requires the district to identify four diesel buses to be scrapped within 36 months of receiving the electric buses; he noted some of the district’s oldest buses are candidates. He said delivery lead times for new electric buses are long (about 12 months) and that district mechanics have received training to maintain EVs; Gabe said battery replacement costs are not expected to exceed typical major diesel engine repairs.
Trustees raised questions about operational range and the buses’ suitability for long trips; staff clarified that the electric buses are intended for local routes and that the district recently purchased three diesel buses to preserve capacity for longer runs. The board voted to ratify the grant agreement and approved the piggyback procurement resolution.
Ending: Staff will return with purchase orders, coordinate charging infrastructure grants with PG&E where feasible and continue to monitor costs, delivery timing and sustainment plans.
