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Board hears limits of electric buses for rural, hilly routes; district received charger rebate
Summary
District staff briefed trustees on electric bus operations: chargers installed and about 75,000 miles driven, but buses struggle on hills and limit long-range trips. The district reported a $24,000 rebate from a utility to help offset charger costs.
District transportation staff outlined operational limits of the district's electric buses and the impact on long-range and hilly routes. Staff reported that "we drove about 75,000 miles this year" and said chargers are in place, but that the buses currently "aren't leaving on anything but a flatbed" for hilly routes until technology improves. The board discussed how the limitation affects out-of-town trips and sports transportation and noted reliance on diesel buses or volunteers for some routes.
A staff member also reported a $24,000 rebate from the utility (EG and E) that will help offset charger costs. Trustees asked about long-term costs and whether the electric option is financially better when accounting for diesel savings; staff said diesel costs vary but the district is tracking both operational impacts and financial benefits.
