Thomas Built to develop CNG-fueled Type C

The school bus manufacturer announces at the NAPT Summit that it will develop a Saf-T-Liner C2 powered by compressed natural gas. Also, Thomas Built’s new propane Type A is now in production, and its propane Type C is expected to be available next year.

TRP offers LED lighting for school buses

Company officials say the circuitry on TRP LEDs uses 85% less electrical power than equivalent incandescent lamps, so bus operators and school district maintenance shops can add additional lights on or in buses without overtaxing the electrical system. The lights come in a variety of colors and can be fitted on or in buses made by most manufacturers.

Photos, more details on America's Best competition

To view a variety of shots from the school bus technician and inspector event, see our new photo gallery. Officials say that the event, which this year drew 31 competitors from 19 states, continues to grow.

2012 America's Best Competition

Blue Bird reveals factory training dates for 2013

Workshop topics include recent product changes, such as the dual-zone multiplex system and 2013 emissions standards compliance. Attendees also gain product assembly familiarity with a factory tour.

Repeat wins for America's Best bus tech, inspector

Alan Fidler of Indiana's Tippecanoe School Corp. takes first in the 2012 national school bus technician competition. Jack Defibaugh of Greenbrier County (W.Va.) Schools wins the inspector competition. Both were also named America's Best in last year's event.

Help Cut Summer Overload for School Bus Production

More than 60% of school bus production is tied to deliveries that will occur during about 25% of the year.

EPA offers $2M in rebates for school bus replacement

The EPA’s first-ever rebate program will be a pilot focusing specifically on replacing older school buses. School districts and contractors will be among those eligible for the program, which will provide rebates ranging from $20,000 to $30,000.

Thermo King to unveil new evaporator at BusCon

The company's new BE-550 lightweight bulkhead evaporator ensures passenger comfort in vehicles where headroom clearance is an issue, officials say. It can be mounted in the front, rear or both bulkhead areas of a school bus.

Bus camera is compact, vibration resistant

Moxa Americas Inc.’s VPort P06-1MP-M12 IP surveillance cameras feature an operating temperature of minus 40 to 75 degrees C, vibration-resistant M12 connectors and a vandal-resistant housing.