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Cleaner, quieter electric school buses roll into LAUSD
The second largest school district in the country reports that two-thirds of its 1,300 school buses rely on non-diesel fuels, including propane, natural gas and electricity.
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Mariana Dale
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LAist
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Topline:
The Los Angeles Unified School District has expanded its fleet of electric school buses to 180 vehicles ahead of the new school year. The second largest school district in the country reports that 67% of its 1,300 school buses rely on non-diesel fuels including propane, natural gas and electricity.
Why it matters: Students are exposed to fewer pollutants when they ride on a bus powered by natural gas or electricity compared to a traditional diesel vehicle. The new buses also spew fewer toxins into the community — fossil-fuel-powered buses and trucks are a major contributor to Los Angeles’ terrible air quality.
The backstory: LAUSD purchased the first 10 electric buses in 2021. The district expects to save money on gas and maintenance over time, and like many others, relies on a combination of federal and state funding to subsidize the higher upfront cost compared to a diesel-powered bus.
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Student reaction: Incoming senior Gabino Perez’s parents don’t drive, so he relies on the bus to get from his home in Atwater Village to the STEM Academy at Bernstein High School in Hollywood. Perez said the electric bus is cooler (because of the air conditioning) and quieter than the buses he’s ridden in the past. “ Every time I'm in the other bus, like, I can't hear what the other person is saying to me because of too much noise,” Perez said. “This one, it's a lot [more] relaxing and comfortable.”
Get a seat: The district has historically prioritized busing for students with disabilities and in specific programs such as magnets and dual-language, but any family can request a ride on the Parent Portal app. (Still have questions? Drop us a message — mdale@laist.com — or check back soon for an LAUSD transportation guide.)
Go deeper: School districts want more electric buses. Will their plans survive the Trump administration?
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