LAUSD debuts fleet of electric buses for new school year

GARDENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Many of the LAUSD students who returned to class Thursday arrived in the district's new electric buses.

The district debuted 56 electric buses, which are part of the 180 EV buses it has acquired throughout the years to replace some of its legacy buses.

Some of them are stationed at a bus yard in Gardena, one of the district's five across Los Angeles County.

The buses are equipped with Wi-Fi "so students can do their homework while traveling on the road," said Transportation Supervisor Jose Saldate.

The buses, which have the capacity to transport 78 students each, also have tracking devices so parents can locate their children and keep track if the bus is running behind.

Once they get to school, students will see a dozen new menu options for breakfast and lunch, including vegan and vegetarian options.

Superintendent Alberto Carvalho says more change is coming to district schools, including new music and language programs.