The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has purchased 130 Saf-T-Liner HDX compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses from Thomas Built Buses. Introduced more than 10 years ago, Thomas Built CNG buses exceed California emission standards, among the toughest in the country.
The state of California was the first in the nation to require lap-shoulder belt seating. To meet that requirement, all 130 of the environmentally-friendly buses will be equipped with SafeGuard seats, a product of IMMI.
“We applaud the LAUSD’s commitment to sound environmental strategies with its selection of school buses that incorporate clean-fuel technology,” said Ken Hedgecock, vice president, sales, marketing and service, Thomas Built Buses, “and we welcome this opportunity to demonstrate our shared commitment to environmental stewardship and enhanced passenger safety.”
The buses were purchased through Carson, CA-based BUSWEST, a Thomas dealer. BUSWEST president Jim Bernacchi noted, “helping LAUSD replace their older school buses with clean burning CNG powered school buses is good for the students, the environment and the economy. Buswest is honored to have the opportunity to supply Thomas Built CNG buses to support LAUSD’s ongoing fleet replacement program.”
The LAUSD transportation services division only accepts bids for buses operating on alternative fuels. The district currently operates the largest CNG school bus fleet in the state, with more than 300 alternative fuel school buses. Thomas Built CNG’s emissions are near zero and have been 2010 compliant since 2007.