At a Glance
- Blue Bird has issued a voluntary recall for its electric school buses after a crash in Illinois revealed a loose 12V power cable.
- The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) operates 250 electric buses, many from Blue Bird, and is inspecting its fleet.
- A recent bus fire under the 210 Freeway overpass has added urgency, though no injuries were reported.
- Why it matters: Parents and students rely on safe, reliable electric transportation; the recall and fire investigation highlight potential risks.
The Los Angeles Unified School District is inspecting its electric buses after Blue Bird announced a voluntary recall. The recall follows a crash in Illinois last November where a loose power cable caused the vehicle’s electrical system to shut down. LAUSD officials say the recall does not affect student safety or transportation service.
Recall Details
Blue Bird, the manufacturer of electric school buses, notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) after one of its vehicles crashed into a tree in Illinois last November. The incident suggested that a loose 12V cable could lead to intermittent system failures or a total loss of vehicle functions, including instrument panel displays, steering assist, braking assist, or traction motor shut-down.
The recall report states, “Loose 12V cables can cause intermittent system failures or total loss of vehicle functions, including instrument panel displays, steering assist, braking assist, or traction motor shut down.”
> “No injuries or fatalities have been reported due to this issue,” said Blue Bird in an emailed statement. “We will notify affected customers no later than Feb. 17, as required by the NHTSA.”
Key Points of the Recall
- Cause: Loose 12V power cable
- Potential Failures: Instrument panel, steering, braking, traction motor
- Manufacturer Response: No injuries/fatalities; customer notification by Feb. 17
- Regulatory Body: NHTSA
Impact on LAUSD Bus Fleet
The LAUSD has a fleet of 250 electric buses, many of which were manufactured by Blue Bird. The district said the voluntary recall has no impact on student safety or transportation service.
> “All routes are operating as scheduled while we complete manufacturer-recommended inspections and updates,” said the LAUSD. “Our fleet is diversified with multiple manufacturers and models.”
The district spokesperson added that there have been no reports of electric school buses losing power locally. However, the recall underscores the importance of regular inspections and timely updates.
Safety and Service
LAUSD emphasized that student safety remains a priority. The district’s bus fleet is monitored closely, and any vehicle that fails inspection is taken out of service until the issue is resolved.
> “We have no reports of power loss in our local electric buses,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to maintaining safe routes for our students.”
Despite the recall, all routes continue to run on schedule. The district’s diversified fleet strategy allows it to mitigate risks associated with a single manufacturer.
Fire Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Last month, an electric bus with the LA Unified caught fire under the 210 Freeway overpass in Lake View Terrace. No students were inside, and no one was injured.
The LAUSD said the school bus fire is still under investigation led by the energy security agency. The investigation is ongoing, and no definitive cause has been released.
> “The fire is still under investigation led by the energy security agency,” the district confirmed.
The incident has heightened scrutiny of the electric bus fleet’s safety features and the reliability of its power systems.
Next Steps and Communication
The LAUSD has not provided a direct response to whether it will notify schools or parents about inspections or repairs on the electric buses. The district continues to monitor the situation closely and will share updates as they become available.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| November | Crash in Illinois involving a Blue Bird electric bus |
| Friday (this week) | LAUSD announces inspection of electric buses |
| Feb. 17 | Blue Bird to notify affected customers per NHTSA requirements |
| Last month | Electric bus fire under 210 Freeway overpass |
Key Takeaways
- Blue Bird’s voluntary recall follows a crash that revealed a loose power cable could shut down critical vehicle systems.
- LAUSD’s fleet of 250 electric buses is under inspection, but routes remain operational.
- No injuries or fatalities have been reported from the recall issue, and the fire incident also resulted in no injuries.
- The district’s diversified fleet strategy and ongoing inspections aim to maintain student safety.
- Parents and students should stay informed about any updates from the district regarding inspections or repairs.
The recall and fire investigation highlight the growing need for rigorous safety checks as electric buses become more common in school fleets. LAUSD’s proactive inspections and diversified approach aim to keep students safe while the industry learns from these incidents.
