It is long and streamlined with green trim and the word “HYBRID” in large, capital letters is clearly visible for all to see. So, when the Thomas Built prototype Hybrid Saf-T-Liner C2 school bus rolled into the maintenance bay at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ (KCSOS) Transportation Services on Aug. 4, it drew a lot of attention from mechanics and school district officials. The bus runs on a combination diesel fuel engine and electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Thomas Built, located in High Point, N.C., currently has two prototypes out on the road for demonstration purposes and has orders to build six others. One prototype was making the rounds to school districts and transportation facilities in California this week to generate interest in its emission-reducing features and to promote sales. “Thomas Built felt KCSOS was a hub for school bus technology and know-how for the county and wanted us to host a demonstration for any of the districts that might be interested in learning about the hybrid,” said Transportation Services Director Paul Linder. More