Michigan Rolls Out Propane Autogas School Buses
Waterford School District in Michigan has introduced 10 new school buses fueled by propane autogas into its fleet this week, joining almost 30 other school districts in the state to operate Blue Bird Vision Propane buses.
Propane is an alternative fuel that is designed to allow the school district to save money in maintenance and fuel costs, and to reduce its carbon footprint.
Each bus is fitted with propane fuel systems manufactured by ROUSH CleanTech, a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia.
“School buses operating on propane are environmentally friendly and reliable in cold weather conditions, plus offer cost saving benefits” said WSD Superintendent Keith Wunderlich.
Wunderlich went on to say that the school district selected propane-fueled buses because they provide the added safety of a quieter running engine and, although the initial purchase cost is higher, the “savings in overall cost of ownership versus a diesel bus is worth the initial cost.”
Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engines, the Blue Bird Vision Propane buses emit 80 percent fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel, according to the company.
It is estimated that the fleet of propane autogas buses will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by about 10,000 pounds and particulate matter by about 315 pounds each year compared with the diesel buses they replaced. These ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems are Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certified.
Category: General Update, Green
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