Thomas Built gets first order for SCR-equipped HDX buses
Fifty-nine of the manufacturer’s Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses featuring selective catalytic reduction technology will be delivered to a Maryland school district in June and July 2010.
HIGH POINT, N.C. — Fifty-nine Thomas Built Buses Saf-T-Liner HDX school buses equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology will be delivered to Montgomery County (Md.) Public Schools in June and July 2010 by Thomas Built dealer American Bus Sales and Service.
“Montgomery County Public Schools is the first customer to order SCR-equipped Thomas Built HDXs,” said John O’Leary, president and CEO of Thomas Built. “We know that the district’s confidence in Thomas Built Buses is built on years of experience with our vehicles and is a reflection of the outstanding relationship and service American Bus Sales offers its customers.”
Todd Watkins, director of transportation for Montgomery County Public Schools, elaborated on the department’s longstanding relationship with Thomas Built Buses saying, “Thomas is very responsive to its customers. In the past, we’ve made suggestions for improvements and the new equipment reflects those changes.”
The Saf-T-Liner HDX is a Type D, rear-engine school bus. The units will incorporate SCR technology to meet 2010 emissions standards (SCR reduces tailpipe emissions by treating the exhaust stream with a spray of Diesel Exhaust Fluid). SCR also maximizes fuel efficiency and engine performance.
More Alternative Fuels

Alt-Fuel Moves: Electric Bus Rollouts, Bidirectional Charging & Propane Growth
See which fleets are adding electric and propane school buses as districts and operators invest in charging infrastructure, bidirectional technology, and alternative-fuel expansion.
Read More →
Nobody Told Diesel Prices They Were Supposed to Come Down
With diesel prices surging, school bus fleets have new reason to stress-test fuel costs, consider diversification, and calculate what each route really costs to operate.
Read More →
Why Gasoline School Buses Are Making a Comeback
Gasoline is gaining ground in full-size school buses. See how today’s options stack up against diesel on cost, maintenance, emissions, performance, and more.
Read More →
EPA Opens $180M DERA Funding Round for Diesel Upgrades
The 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program seeks applications from eligible organizations to accelerate the retirement of legacy diesel vehicles.
Read More →
The Secret Life of an Electric School Bus Battery
Batteries change throughout years of daily routes, but degradation doesn’t necessarily mean the end. Here’s what operators should know about performance, safety, and second life.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: New Buses, Charging Hubs & Real-World EV Testing
Propane and electric school bus deployments continue to grow as districts add new vehicles, expand charging infrastructure, and gather more real-world operating data.
Read More →
Fewer Electric School Bus Models Reshape the U.S. Market
WRI’s latest buyer’s guide points to a consolidating electric school bus market, but fewer options may reflect a maturing industry rather than fewer meaningful choices for school bus operators.
Read More →
The Fuel Budget You Can Actually Predict: How Propane Autogas Keeps Money in the Classroom
Learn how propane autogas helps school districts manage fuel costs with predictable pricing, lower maintenance, and reduced emissions from former transportation director Joel Stutheit.
Read More →
Hendrickson, Driventic Introduce New Electric Powertrain for School Buses
ELECTRAAX, the electrified, lightweight drive axle offers integrated ePowertrain efficiency and modular flexibility for Class 6–7 school bus use.
Read More →
