School districts in California may order Blue Bird Electric School Buses in Every Type through upcoming CEC Grant Funds
COLTON, CA. (June 13, 2019) — The California Energy Commission voted this week to approve an agreement with A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. to establish a bulk purchase price for Type A electric school buses with chair lift, after announcing the proposed awards and qualifying buses that passed their technical evaluation phase for the Energy Commission’s School Bus Replacement Program. The Energy Commission also voted to approve grants to School Districts in California that applied for funding under its companion solicitation. Awarded School Districts can use the grant funds to purchase electric buses at the bulk purchase price or may use the funds to select and purchase certain electric school buses through their own procurement process. If selected through a School District’s own procurement process, the School District can use the grant funds towards purchasing Blue Bird’s Type A Electric Micro Bird, Type C Electric Vision and Type D Electric Rear Engine school buses.
The Micro Bird Type A Electric bus is equipped with a wheel chair lift, and would qualify for over $291,000 in grant funding under the bulk purchase price established with the Energy Commission. If selected through a School District’s own procurement process, the Type C Vision and Type D Rear Engine school buses with and without wheelchair lifts would qualify for up to $337,000 in grant funding depending on bus type chosen. Blue Bird is the only manufacturer selected which has produced and delivered Type A, C and D electric school buses to school districts that are certified and currently operating in the state of California.
"We are proud to have passed the technical evaluation for this bid, which could allow districts to afford these amazing cutting-edge buses," said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. "Blue Bird pioneered electric school bus technology as early as 1994, and with our proven, long-term partnership with Cummins, we know that customers can depend on our new generation of electric buses."
Blue Bird has been producing school buses since 1927, and has been working with Electric technology in school buses since 1994. The Cummins Electrified Power Division has over 12 years of hybrid and electric drivetrain and vehicle integration, much of which has been focused on the mass transit industry. The partnership between Blue Bird and the Cummins electrification group delivers over 30 years of experience in this growing segment.
The Blue Bird Electric school buses currently operating in California have an established, reliable network of service centers that specialize in electric bus technology. "This is exciting for districts who may be able to better afford to bring Blue Bird’s electric buses into their existing fleets," said John Landherr, president of A-Z Bus Sales. "With over twelve A-Z Bus service and Cummins service locations across the state, districts can rest assured that these buses will be well supported throughout their lifetime. It is a true win-win for students, school districts and communities of California."
For more information, visit www.a-zbus.com or call (800) 437-5522.
About A-Z Bus Sales: A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. is a transportation dealer-distributor serving the education, government, public sector, commercial and private fleet markets with a broad portfolio of passenger transportation solutions. The employee-owned company specializes in clean alternative fuel products. A-Z provides sales, service, parts, and financing for both new and pre-owned buses. Founded in 1976, A-Z Bus Sales has built a reputation for long-lasting customer relationships, professionalism and integrity, and the share positions in markets served. Headquartered in Colton, California the company has multiple sales and service locations serving California, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii. More information is available at www.a-zbus.com or by calling 800.437.5522.
About Blue Bird Corporation: Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered, electric and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.