WARWICK, N.Y. — The Espar Heater Systems E-Guardian 5 engine pre-heater is available in the complete Trans Tech Bus product line, the school bus manufacturer announced on Friday.
Officials said Trans Tech is the first Type A school bus manufacturer to offer the E-Guardian 5 as a factory-installed option.
Some of the benefits of the Espar system include a warm engine start without plug-ins, reduced engine idling for fuel savings, less engine maintenance and use of the Multi-Max Digital Controller for ease of use.
The E-Guardian 5 is EPA verified and California Air Resources Board approved.
“We are really excited and feel that our dealers and customers will benefit greatly because of the Espar system,” said Brian Barrington, national sales manager for Trans Tech Bus. “Being able to install the E-Guardian 5 and eliminate excess idling, save on engine hours, and the safety of a warm defrost makes this a great option for our customers.”
Paula Bishop, Espar’s manager of transportation and environmental affairs, added that Espar is “very pleased to be chosen as a supplier to Trans Tech Bus."
Espar engine pre-heater available in Trans Tech buses
The company’s E-Guardian 5 engine pre-heater is available on the Type A school bus manufacturer’s buses immediately. The E-Guardian 5 is EPA verified and California Air Resources Board approved, and officials say some of the benefits of the system include a warm engine start without plug-ins, reduced engine idling for fuel savings, less engine maintenance and use of the Multi-Max Digital Controller for ease of use.
More Management
All About Cooperative Purchasing: A Guide for School Transportation Pros
Stop bidding everything and try a simpler way. Here's how cooperative purchasing can streamline purchases while maintaining compliance. Sourcewell breaks down the process in this episode of The Route, sponsored by IC Bus.
Read More →
EverDriven Launches New School Bus Routing Services
The alternative transportation company expands its services to traditional yellow buses with the launch of a new division focused on helping school districts optimize their routes.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Joshua Roberts of First Student
Roberts, 35, serves as the lead IT application engineer for vehicle electrification at First Student, where he helps shape scalable, real-world EV infrastructure to support student transportation.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Quavion Swazer of Puyallup School District
Swazer, 29, serves as director of transportation at Puyallup School District, where he champions student wellbeing and inspires the next generation of industry leaders.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Katia Dubas of IMMI
Dubas, 38, serves as sales manager and safety advocate at IMMI, where she advances school bus occupant protection through industry education, OEM collaboration, and proactive safety policy efforts.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Eric Kramlick of TransPar
Kramlick, 30, runs operations for TransPar in Hawaii, where he also showed dedication while helping Maui recover from the recent wildfires.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Jonquez Moore of Little Elm ISD
Moore, 32, grew up around the school bus, leading him to the classroom and eventually inspiring high-performing teams while bringing operations in house (twice).
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Joshua Baran of Odyssey Charter School
Baran, 38, serves as transportation supervisor at Odyssey Charter School in Delaware, where he leads daily operations with a focus on safety and professional growth.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Tyler Maybee of Denver Public Schools
Maybee, 36, leads transportation operations for Denver Public Schools, where he is advancing equity, efficiency, and cross-department collaboration to improve student access.
Read More →
2026 Trailblazer: Lexi Higgins of TAT
Higgins, 38, serves as director of industry engagement at TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking), where she equips school transportation professionals with the tools to recognize and report human trafficking.
Read More →