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Thomas Built Buses Adds Gasoline Engine Option to Saf-T-Liner C2 School Bus Lineup

The gasoline-powered bus features the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine and industry-first compression brake, joining the OEM's C2 powertrain lineup for 2026.

A yellow school bus drives along a rural road surrounded by green grass and trees under a partly cloudy sky. Overlaid text reads “SAF-T-LINER C2 GASOLINE ARRIVES,” with the School Bus Fleet logo in the corner.

Production for the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline is targeted to begin in late 2026.

Credit:

Thomas Built Buses/School Bus Fleet

2 min to read


Today, Thomas Built Buses (TBB) announced the launch of a new gasoline engine option for the Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus. The Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline is equipped with the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine.

With the addition of gasoline, Thomas Built Buses continues to expand its powertrain lineup, now offering diesel, electric, and gasoline options to give school districts greater flexibility and choice.

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“With the Cummins B6.7 Octane engine, fleets gain a dependable solution that complements our proven diesel and electric offerings, giving them more choice in how they operate,” said T.J. Reed, president and CEO of Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles. “We’re proud to expand our lineup with solutions that reflect the real-world needs of school districts — whether that’s simplifying maintenance, managing costs or planning for the future with diesel, electric or now gasoline.”

product photo of the B6.7 Octane Cummins engine

The B6.7 Octane engine will be available in the Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline in 220- and 260-horsepower ratings, delivering up to 600 lb-ft of torque.

Credit:

Thomas Built Buses


The Cummins B6.7 Octane is a purpose-built, durable, turbocharged gasoline engine for medium-duty applications, which TBB calls the first of its kind in the category. With up to 2 million miles logged before production, the engine features a broad, flat torque curve that mirrors Cummins’ trusted B6.7 diesel platform.

Designed to provide familiar drivability and smooth power at low speeds, the B6.7 Octane also introduces an optional integrated compression brake for improved vehicle control and reduced brake wear: an industry-first for gasoline school buses.

The Saf-T-Liner C2 Gasoline delivers also offers:

  • Strong fuel economy for lower operating costs.
  • 2-3x longer service intervals, including oil and filter changes up to 15,000 miles.
  • Runs on regular 87-octane gasoline, making it easy to refuel within existing fueling infrastructure.
  • Engineered for cold-weather readiness and high idle tolerance, making it well suited for diverse operating environments.
  • Offers school districts a familiar chassis and body design, helping streamline technician training, maintenance routines and driver familiarity.
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“By offering this gasoline option, we’re helping school districts simplify operations, manage costs and maintain reliable, year-round performance,” said Daoud Chaaya, vice president of sales, aftermarket and marketing at Thomas Built Buses. “Built on our trusted C2 platform, it supports technician and driver familiarity while ensuring safe, dependable transportation for students. This addition reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

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