District reviews electric-bus pilot and infrastructure needs before larger procurement

District transportation and facilities staff reviewed an electric-bus pilot and an engineering assessment of charging infrastructure and bus-garage needs. Staff described two electric buses that have been used on regular routes and said their experience has been positive but that broader deployment requires substantial on-site electrical upgrades and capital planning.

Presenters summarized vendor and utility assessments, safety and first‑responder training completed during the pilot, and the likely capital scope needed for a larger transition: new transformers, underground feeders, charging switchboards, bus-garage modifications (including fire-suppression and backup-generation considerations), and potential site-work to position chargers and charging lanes. Staff noted available federal and state incentives that can substantially reduce vehicle cost if the district participates in fleet-incentive programs and recommended pursuing engineering assessments, applying for incentives (the district is eligible to apply for purchases up to 10 buses in the current incentive round), and phasing infrastructure purchases.

Staff recommended a methodical multi-phase approach: (1) complete engineering and site assessments, (2) apply for available purchase incentives and plan capital projects, and (3) bring a capital-project proposal for a bus-garage upgrade if the district elects to scale up EV purchases. No procurement decision was made at the meeting; the board will be presented with a formal recommendation if staff identify a financially feasible package that aligns with the district’s capital plan.