Alisal USD gets fully-electric school bus

SALINAS, Calif. (KION) The Alisal Union School District announced that it has a new fully-electric school bus, Blue Bird's 100th electric school bus.

The district said it will replace an older diesel-powered bus in its fleet. The bus produces zero-emissions, according to Blue Bird, which helps reduce greenhouse gasses.

"Alisal is committed to a clean environment and to preserving our natural resources for our future generations," said Jim Koenig, superintendent of Alisal Union School District. "The new 66-passenger Blue Bird bus will be a welcome addition to our fleet that will allow the district to discontinue use of a diesel bus that is over 20 years old."

Blue Bird said the electric buses have lower maintenance costs too because they do not need oil or transmission fluid changes.

The district was able to buy the bus using grants from the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District and Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, students will not be returning to campus until next school year. The district is currently using distance learning.