RENO, Nev. – The Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO West in July explored how efficiency and modernization are reshaping student transportation. Experts shared practical strategies for using cleaner powertrains, connected technology, operational data and resilient infrastructure to reduce costs, improve reliability and prepare school bus operations for the future.

Cummins

Nicole Wheeldon, general manager of busing for North America at Cummins, joined Chris Karlin, account manager for International Motors; Matthew McGinn, senior director of e-mobility sales for Accelera by Cummins; and Matthew McClure, current product and OEM service manager for Bus North America at Cummins. They discussed how emissions regulations, technology and staffing challenges are shaping school bus purchasing and operations.

The panelists said fleets should take a holistic approach to fleet electrification that considers funding, reliability and performance alongside emissions compliance. They noted that software and automatic updates can improve efficiency by reducing service visits. The panelists also highlighted vehicle-to-grid capabilities, describing electricity as a low-cost energy that could provide districts with additional operational and community benefits.

Responding to attendees’ questions about electric school bus service, the panelists acknowledged that workforce shortages remain a significant obstacle. “There is a shortage of qualified EV techs and it is an industry issue,” they said. The lack of trained technicians can extend repair delays and discourage districts from adopting electric vehicles, making local service capacity an important consideration before purchasing buses.

The panelists reported progress on electric bus diagnostics and trouble codes, as well as efforts to reduce repair times through third-party battery assistance. Regarding parts availability, speakers confirmed that, “The parts channels are in better shape than they were a year ago in general.”

Cold-weather performance was another focus. The panelists pointed to electric fleets successfully operating in Canada and Alaska and explained how battery thermal management systems both heat and cool the batteries.

They also advised B20 users to closely monitor storage and maintenance because biodiesel attracts water. Cummins, they established, continues evaluating alternative fuels and investing in gasoline products to give districts more fleet-diversification options.

McGinn highlighted the first school bus application for the fourth-generation 14Xe ePowertrain by Cummins-Meritor. The system integrates the motor and transmission and, he said, its three-speed configuration “allows [drivers] to operate the vehicle with better range.”

IC Bus

Matthew Milewski, connected vehicle marketing director for IC Bus parent company Navistar, joined Chad Duncan, specification manager for IC Bus and Maurine Simons, transportation director for North Mason School District in Washington state, to discuss using data to improve fleet safety, maintenance and efficiency.

Milewski said student transportation departments are under increasing pressure from technician and driver shortages, limited budgets, safety requirements, parent expectations and sustainability goals. With many operations “doing more with less,” he explained that connected buses can help answer routine questions about vehicle locations, delays, maintenance needs, driver performance and developing mechanical problems.

Technology allows transportation departments to monitor routes, vehicle speed and timestamps, giving staff objective information when investigating incidents or responding to questions. Milewski said connected technology can also generate AI-driven weekly driver reports and flag events requiring additional review. Camera-based systems can alert drivers about issues such as failing to wear a seatbelt, while real-time information can support route adherence, stop accountability and parent communication.

Milewski contrasted traditional maintenance, where a driver must notice a problem before technicians diagnose it and order parts, with a connected operation. With the latter, the vehicle reports an issue to fleet managers, who can then order repair parts and schedule shop time before the bus arrives. He shared how the OnConnect Connection feature through IC’s My International fleet management system helps districts minimize downtime.

Simons shared that she began using the connected platform years ago as a technician, particularly to identify and order parts. After becoming transportation director, she continued using it to track bus information and save staff time.

Duncan advised directors purchasing vehicles to use operating data when specifying horsepower, transmissions, fuel capacity, axles, tires or electric bus battery range. He urged attendees to stay ahead of state safety regulations and plan realistically for fleet advancements in safety technology.

Milewski encouraged directors to ask, “What information do I wish I had every day that I don’t have today?” and “What decisions am I still making based on assumptions?” He added that My International is available through dealerships with a five-year subscription and can support mixed fleets, not only International buses.

---

Related: Green Bus Summit with Blue Bird: Slash Your Bus Fuel & Maintenance Budget by Adopting the Right Powertrain
Related: Gallery: STN EXPO East Features Bus Tech Summit, Green Bus Summit Sessions
Related: Roundup: Informative Green Bus Summit Held at STN EXPO West
Related: Roundup: Green Bus Summit at STN EXPO East Sounds Optimistic Tone
Related: (STN Podcast E297) Deep Dive into Safety: Illegal Passing & Child Restraints, Plus Green Bus Funding

---

Suburban Propane

Suburban Propane sales representative John Barnett moderated a discussion with Douglas Dagan, executive vice president of renewable energy at Suburban Propane; Scott Bradley, executive vice president at Pioneer eMobility; Brad Beauchamp, EV product segment leader for Blue Bird; and Nikita Mishra, industry application engineer for ABB’s automotive and battery manufacturing segment. They examined how off-grid charging and microgrids can help districts deploy electric buses despite utility delays or limited grid capacity.

Beauchamp advised transportation directors to evaluate infrastructure as soon as funding is identified, and district leadership approves an electric bus project. Asked when that process should begin, he replied, “That actually comes before you order the bus.”

He and Mishra agreed that early discussions between the district and utility will determine their power demand, equipment availability and desired mix of energy sources before design work begins.

Mishra revealed that infrastructure projects can take anywhere from several months to several years. She noted that lead times for some equipment, including transformers, can reach 75 weeks.

Likewise, Bradley urged districts to “call your utility early.” He said Pioneer eMobility can deliver certain systems within three to four months.

When permanent infrastructure is delayed, propane-powered off-grid charging systems can serve as a temporary or supplemental solution.

“Propane is available everywhere,” Gagan noted, adding that renewable propane is a fast-growing option that is chemically identical to conventional propane but produced from renewable sources.

Bradley pointed to Los Angeles Unified School District, where 180 of 220 electric Blue Bird buses are charged using “25 off-grid electric vehicle charging microgrids.”

Panelists said mobile charging can also support field trips, sporting events and emergency operations or help districts test potential sites before installing permanent infrastructure. Barnett explained how microgrids combining propane generators, battery storage and other energy sources could charge buses and power facilities during outages or reduce demand charges through peak shaving.

Speakers encouraged districts facing grid constraints to consider the entire charging “ecosystem,” including the bus, chargers, generation source and future vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-building uses.

Thomas Built Buses

Mark Childers, powertrain and technology sales manager for Thomas Built Buses, moderated a discussion with Alec Watson, account manager for Daimler Truck Specialty Vehicles within Cummins, and Trystan Thomas, director of transportation for Shasta Union High School District in California. They discussed evolving diesel technology, Cummins’ forthcoming B6.7 Octane gasoline engine and the factors districts should evaluate when selecting powertrains.

Watson said the B6.7 Octane was developed for the medium-duty and school bus markets using feedback from OEMs and customers. Built on the B6.7 diesel platform, the gasoline engine is designed to provide a similar torque curve, drivability and performance while eliminating diesel exhaust fluid and diesel particulate filter management. Cummins, Allison Transmission and Thomas Built Buses are collaborating on its integration.

Thomas Built Buses expects production to begin during the first quarter of 2027, initially for the Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus. Panelists clarified that the engine will meet the EPA’s near-zero emissions standard but is not a zero-emissions product. It will initially be offered only on new buses, not as a retrofit.

Watson said Cummins has trained and certified approximately 700 to 750 dealers on the new engine. Technicians already certified on the B6.7 diesel can complete an online course and test rather than attend additional in-person technical training. Cummins is also preparing its Cummins Care technical support operation and adding field service engineers.

Thomas encouraged directors to examine route mileage, terrain, field trips, infrastructure, technician capabilities and total cost of ownership. His district remains predominantly diesel because some routes exceed 120 miles per day, including steep grades or support out-of-town trips. “Anything alternative, you just got to do your homework,” he said.

Districts must also examine funding carefully. Thomas recalled receiving $5,000 per bus for electric infrastructure that ultimately cost $70,000, requiring the district to supply the difference.

Watson cautioned directors against selecting a technology simply because it is exciting. “Just because the octane engine is new and shiny doesn’t mean it’s necessarily for you,” he said.

“I believe that successful fleets will remain technology-neutral and evaluate solutions based on the operational fit rather than the trends alone,” Thomas agreed. “The future is likely to include a mix of diesel, gasoline, propane, natural gas and battery electric solutions.”

Article written with the assistance of AI and session transcripts.

The post Green Bus Summit Drives School Transportation Efficiency, Modernization appeared first on School Transportation News.

MACON, Ga. — Blue Bird Corporation (“Blue Bird”) (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, announced today its fiscal 2026 third quarter financial results.

“I am incredibly proud of our team in delivering another outstanding quarterly result,” said John Wyskiel, President & CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “The Blue Bird team continued to exceed expectations, improving operations, navigating tariffs, and expanding our leadership in alternative-powered buses. We delivered an exceptional Adj. EBITDA of $71M for the third fiscal quarter of 2026, including consolidated results from our recent Micro Bird acquisition.

“In our push to expand our leadership in alternative-powered school buses, we delivered 355 electric-powered buses this quarter. As of the end of the quarter, we had more than 770 EV buses in our firm order backlog, which supports our EV sales target for 2026.

“Additionally, we just announced a major collaboration agreement with Ford Motor Company to design, manufacture and sell the next generation F53/59 commercial stripped chassis. Blue Bird will integrate Ford’s next generation medium-duty gas powertrain into this new stripped chassis. As part of this arrangement, Blue Bird will also purchase the assets of Detroit Chassis LLC’s Detroit Plant. Detroit Chassis is the assembler of the current F53/59 stripped chassis. This transaction is anticipated to close early 2027, shortly after the current chassis ends production. Production of the next generation stripped chassis is planned to begin early 2028. This move is a significant component of our Long-Term Strategy, and will position us to be a growing player in the specialty vehicle/chassis market.”

FY2026 Guidance and Long-Term Outlook

“We are very pleased with our third quarter results, driven by excellent Blue Bird results as well as the integration of Micro Bird,” said Razvan Radulescu, CFO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Our business is in a very strong position and we continue to deliver ahead of the plan we have been messaging. With the record first nine months we have delivered, we are raising our full-year 2026 Adj. EBITDA guidance.

“The updated 2026 Guidance is Net Revenue at ~$1.75 Billion and Adj. EBITDA to ~$247 million. Additionally, we are raising our long-term profit outlook to include the recent announcement of our expanded Ford collaboration and purchase of Detroit Assembly Plant’s assets, towards a 2030+ long-term Adjusted EBITDA of $500+ million, or 15%+, on $3.3 billion in revenue. We are confident in our profitable growth plans.”

Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Results

Net Sales

Net sales were $517.2 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $119.1 million, or 29.9%, compared to $398.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Micro Bird contributed $122.9 million of net sales during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. The $3.8 million, or 1.0%, decrease in net sales for the legacy Blue Bird operations is primarily due to a 7.2% decrease in units sold resulting from timing due to a customer mix change as we produced a large number of units for certain customers that we will recognize as revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 when the units are delivered to coincide with school resuming. Many of these units contributed to the significant increase in finished goods inventory at June 27, 2026. However, the decrease resulting from selling fewer units was partially offset by Bus customer and product mix changes and cumulative Bus price increases, including increases that were intended to mitigate the impact of increased procurement costs for certain of our imported inventory as a result of the imposition of tariffs beginning during the second half of fiscal 2025 and continuing into the first three quarters of fiscal 2026.

Bus sales increased $119.5 million, or 32.1%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2025, which included the $122.9 million of net sales that Micro Bird contributed during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. Bus sales for the legacy Blue Bird operations decreased $3.5 million, or 0.9%, reflecting a 7.2% decrease in unit bookings that was partially offset by a 6.7% increase in average sales price per unit. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, 2,290 legacy Blue Bird units booked compared to 2,467 units that booked during the same period in fiscal 2025. The increase in legacy Blue Bird unit price for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to customer and product mix changes as well as price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs.

Parts sales decreased $0.3 million, or 1.2%, for the third quarter of fiscal 2026 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2025. This small decrease is primarily attributed to slight variations due to product and channel mix that slightly exceeded price increases that were implemented to offset increases in inventory costs.

Gross Profit

Third quarter gross profit of $103.4 million represented an increase of $17.4 million from the third quarter of last year. The increase is primarily attributed to the acquisition of Micro Bird, which contributed $17.3 million of gross profit during the third quarter of fiscal 2026.

Net Income

Net income was $185.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2026, an increase of $148.8 million from the third quarter of last year. Micro Bird contributed $7.4 million of net income during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. Among other smaller fluctuations, the increase in net income for legacy Blue Bird operations was largely driven by an increase of $136.8 million in other income (expense), net, which primarily consists of $4.5 million of pretax costs relating to the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the outstanding voting common stock of Micro Bird effective April 1, 2026 and a $160.5 million gain during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 resulting from remeasuring the value of the previously held 50% equity investment to its acquisition date fair value in connection with the Micro Bird acquisition, which was partially offset by a $19.6 million loss resulting from the settlement of the pension benefits earned by the majority of pension plan participants. Neither of these had corresponding gains/losses during the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted net income of $45.0 million represented an increase of $6.3 million from the third quarter of last year. The increase was primarily driven by $148.8 million increase in Net Income, discussed above, when adjusting for the impact of certain expenses and gains that are excluded in calculating Adjusted Net Income, including share-based compensation, Micro Bird acquisition costs, gain from Micro Bird Acquisition, and pension plan settlement loss, discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $71.4 million, which was an increase of $12.9 million compared with the third quarter of fiscal 2025. Micro Bird contributed $16.5 million of Adjusted EBITDA during the third quarter of fiscal 2026. The $3.6 million decrease in Adjusted EBITDA for the legacy Blue Bird operations primarily relates to the (i) $1.2 million increase in equity in net loss of non-consolidated affiliates and (ii) $3.0 million decrease in Micro Bird total interest expense, net; income tax expense or benefit; depreciation expense and amortization expense that is included in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, both during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 when compared with corresponding period in fiscal 2025.

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2026 Results

Net Sales

Net sales were $1,202.9 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2026, an increase of $132.1 million, or 12.3%, compared to $1,070.7 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2025. Micro Bird contributed $122.9 million of net sales during the nine months ended June 27, 2026. The $9.2 million, or 0.9%, increase in net sales for the legacy Blue Bird operations is primarily due to Bus customer and product mix changes and cumulative Bus price increases, including increases that were intended to mitigate the impact of increased procurement costs for certain of our imported inventory as a result of the imposition of tariffs beginning during the second half of fiscal 2025 and continuing into the first three quarters of fiscal 2026. The legacy Blue Bird Bus increases described above were partially offset by a decrease in Bus units sold resulting from timing due to a customer mix change as we produced a large number of units for certain customers that we will recognize as revenue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2026 when the units are delivered to coincide with school resuming. Many of these units contributed to the significant increase in finished goods inventory at June 27, 2026.

Bus sales increased $131.3 million, or 13.2%, for the nine months ended June 27, 2026 compared to the nine months ended June 28, 2025, which included the $122.9 million of net sales that Micro Bird contributed during the nine months ended June 27, 2026. Bus sales for the legacy Blue Bird operations increased $8.4 million, or 0.8%, reflecting a 5.7% increase in average sales price per unit that was partially offset by a 4.6% decrease in units booked. The increase in unit price for the first nine months of fiscal 2026 compared to the same period in fiscal 2025 was primarily due to customer and product mix changes as well as price increases implemented to offset increases in inventory costs. This increase was partially offset by the impact of booking 6,573 units in the nine months ended June 27, 2026 compared with 6,892 units during the same period in fiscal 2025.

Parts sales increased $0.8 million, or 1.0%, for the nine months ended June 27, 2026 compared to the nine months ended June 28, 2025. This increase is primarily attributed to price increases that were implemented to offset increases in inventory costs as well as higher fulfillment volumes and slight variations due to product and channel mix.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the nine months ended June 27, 2026 was $245.3 million, an increase of $28.2 million compared with the same period in the prior year. Micro Bird contributed $17.3 million of gross profit during the nine months ended June 27, 2026. Gross profit for legacy Blue Bird operations was primarily driven by the $9.2 million increase in net sales.

Net Income

Net income was $245.3 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2026, which was a $154.1 million increase from the same period in the prior year. Micro Bird contributed $7.4 million of net income during the nine months ended June 27, 2026. Among other smaller fluctuations, the increase in net income for legacy Blue Bird operations was largely driven by an increase of $130.4 million in other income (expense), net, which primarily consists of $7.2 million of pretax costs relating to the acquisition of the remaining 50% of the outstanding voting common stock of Micro Bird effective April 1, 2026 and a $160.5 million gain during the third quarter of fiscal 2026 resulting from remeasuring the value of the previously held 50% equity investment to its acquisition date fair value in connection with the Micro Bird acquisition, which was partially offset by a $19.6 million loss resulting from the settlement of the pension benefits earned by the majority of pension plan participants. Neither of these had corresponding gains/losses during the nine months ended June 28, 2025.

Adjusted Net Income

Adjusted net income for the nine months ended June 27, 2026 was $110.0 million, an increase of $9.2 million compared with the same period last year, primarily due to the $154.1 million increase in net income, discussed above, when adjusting for the impact of certain expenses and gains that are excluded in calculating Adjusted Net Income, including share-based compensation, Micro Bird acquisition costs, gain from Micro Bird Acquisition, and pension plan settlement loss, discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA was $172.3 million for the nine months ended June 27, 2026, an increase of $18.8 million compared with the same period in the prior year. Micro Bird contributed $16.5 million of Adjusted EBITDA during the nine months ended June 27, 2026. The $2.3 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the legacy Blue Bird operations primarily relates to the $11.7 million increase in gross profit, when adjusted for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, as outlined in the revenue and cost of goods sold discussions above, that was partially offset by the (i) $6.4 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses, when adjusting for the impact of expenses that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA, and (ii) $3.4 million decrease in other income, net, when adjusted for the impact of income and expense amounts that are excluded in calculating Adjusted EBITDA as discussed above, all during the nine months ended June 27, 2026 compared to the nine months ended June 28, 2025.

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

The post Blue Bird Reports Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Results appeared first on School Transportation News.

The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS) Supplier Council released its agenda for vendor members attending its mid-year general membership meeting at the STN EXPO West in Reno, Nevada.

The session will take place Monday, July 13, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Peppermill Resort, bringing together key industry suppliers and state transportation leaders to discuss ongoing initiatives and organizational updates.

The agenda for the Reno meeting includes reports from the NASDPTS secretary, treasurer and membership chair. Attendees will hear updates from the nominating committee and NASDPTS President Mike Stier as well as discussions on old and new business.

New business topics will cover the proposed 2027 budget, conference sponsorship opportunities, the Supplier Showcase, state director conference scholarships, and a staff update.

This mid-year gathering builds on discussions from the most recent Supplier Council meeting, held in November at the Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City in Arlington, Virginia during the NASDPTS Annual Conference. At that session, members reviewed the organization’s strong financial position, continued membership growth and renewed three positions on the National Congress on School Transportation (NCST) Steering Committee.

Reno Supplier Council Meeting Agenda to Build Upon Recent Discussions

The group also discussed proposed NASDPTS bylaw changes, including a new provision to prevent individuals from serving simultaneously as president-elect or president of NASDPTS and as vice chair or chair of NCST, to avoid conflicts and ensure effective leadership. Additionally, the board approved sunsetting the School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council (SBMTC), reflecting the evolving needs and structure of the Supplier Council.

The NASDPTS Supplier Council traces its origins to the 1990s, when it was established by School Transportation News co-founder Bill Paul. The group was created to provide a forum for vendor company members of NASDPTS to address technical and governmental relations issues concerning the manufacture of school buses, equipment and services to the industry.

Supplier Council member companies and organizations may submit issues for Steering Committee consideration at least 14 days prior to the two annual meetings of the Supplier Council. Issues may be proposed from the floor during both meetings, but NASDPTS Supplier Council bylaws state time restrictions might not allow for full consideration and may result in their being tabled until the next meeting.

---

Related: NASDPTS Sunsets School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council, Announces Updates
Related: NASDPTS Revises Illegal School Bus Passing Count After California Fixes Error
Related: NHTSA Rulemaking at Heart of NCST Resolutions Focused on Safety
Related: NASDPTS Sunsets School Bus Manufacturers Technical Council, Announces Updates

The post NASDPTS Supplier Council Meeting Set for STN EXPO West appeared first on School Transportation News.