How could this be? Make America buses diesel again.

4 min read

Buses are experiencing extended periods of service interruptions due to “charging challenges” and parts issues, said district spokesperson Liliana López.

The maintenance problems are exacerbated by cold weather, she said. Other buses aren’t meeting needs to transport students with special needs.

So how did Montgomery County fix the problem?

Montgomery County Public Schools is looking to buy more than 100 diesel buses — its largest order of combustion engine vehicles in recent years — saying its electric vehicles aren’t fully meeting the district’s needs.

The district is seeking proposals for companies to purchase 140 diesel buses, including 45 with wheelchair capabilities. The school board is expected to vote on a contract in April.

The purchase comes five years after the school system signed a contract to buy 326 electric buses, a step, leaders said, toward eventually replacing its entire fleet with electric vehicles.