New school buses are heater beaters.

• Author: Murray, Arthur O.
• Position: TAR HEEL TATTLER

Federal regulators might like the 1,300 school buses bought by the state from High Point-based Thomas Built Buses two years ago. They produce fewer emissions. Students who have to ride in them, though, are more likely to gripe--once their teeth stop chattering.

The buses were the first bought by the state on the heels of a 2004 federal anti-pollution law requiring more efficient engines. Unfortunately for riders, the new engines don't run as hot as older ones. That means coolant pumped to heaters at the front of the bus doesn't get as hot as before, so the heaters don't warm the whole bus. The state spent nearly $79 million on the new models, which replaced about 10% of the state's fleet.

Jay Temple, transportation director for Davidson County Schools, says the complaints started shortly after the first of 22 new buses were delivered for the 2004-05 school year. Ditto for 11 buses in coastal Pasquotank County, says Jerel Winslow, its transportation director, and buses in other counties.

Thomas Built, which has produced about 95% of the state's fleet, says the buses were built to state specifications. True, says Derek Graham, DPI's section chief of transportation...