A Study of CHP Data Looks at Polluting School Buses

First Student, the company that provides bus service to West Contra Costa Unified schools, has only 20 aging buses that may expose children to much more harmful pollutants than newer buses emit, according to a new California Watch study. The entire First Student fleet counts more than 2,000 vehicles. 

The report says that diesel buses manufactured before 1990 can emit up to six times more pollutants than newer buses and that children are exposed to those pollutants unless the buses have been equipped with filters that can cost about $18,000.

Whether the buses used owned by First Student serve WCCUSD schools and whether they have the filters is not indicated in the data that California Watch published.

Legislation requires that all school buses in California get the filters or be taken out of service by 2018, according to California Watch. The story also said that newer buses have seat belts and more emergency exits.