SCHOOL
“We are thrilled by the introduction of the new propane-powered Micro Bird as it extends Blue Bird’s offering of affordable green solutions into all school bus vehicle segments” – Bill Danner, vice president of sales, Blue Bird, Inc., North America.
Traditional Yellow School Buses Go ‘Green’
Safety is the top priority for school bus operators across the nation. Studies show that riding a school bus is the safest way for a child to travel to and from school. Drivers take pride in mechanically maintaining their bus, monitoring bus activity while running their route, and looking out for the general safety of their students each day.
ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas offerings fit perfectly with this commitment to safety. Propane autogas is safe, non-toxic, and non-poisonous. Because it is a gas at normal atmospheric temperature and pressure, propane autogas does not spill, pool, or leave residue. Propane autogas fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than typical gasoline or diesel tanks, and propane has the lowest flammability range (500 degrees) of any alternative fuel – even lower than conventional gasoline (850 degrees). See Safety.
With the goal to offer an eco-friendly, highly reliable bus with safety guidelines in mind, MicroBird incorporated the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas system into their 30-passsenger Micro Bird® by Girardin, a Type A school bus (known as a Multi-Function School Activity Bus, or MSFAB). Micro Bird is a joint venture company between Blue Bird Corporation and the Girardin family, with more than 130 years of combined experience in the bus industry.
Manufactured specifically for the needs of schools, the Micro Bird is built on a Ford E-450 chassis and uses the 6.8-liter engine with a ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system. The engine is extremely reliable, offers industry-leading performance, and can be serviced through the Ford or Blue Bird dealer network.
In addition, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas bus models have very little additional weight added, as is the case with some other alternative fuel options. This means that stopping distance and brake wear will be comparable to a gasoline vehicle, as well as cargo weight capabilities. Furthermore, there is no loss of horsepower or torque running on propane autogas.
Sustainability is a top priority for state and local governments calling for all modes of transportation to become cleaner as air quality across the nation continues to decline, especially in the most populated areas. With approximately 53 percent of all school children boarding the traditional yellow diesel-burning buses twice a day for their daily mode of transportation, a second concern comes into view — the health of our future generations.
Studies show that diesel exhaust contains more than 40 chemicals classified as hazardous air pollutants under the Clean Air Act, and that particulates released when diesel fuel is combusted are linked to respiratory illness. Studies also show that children are exposed to four times as much diesel exhaust inside a school bus than they would be if they were standing outside of that bus, and that students exposed to exhaust from diesel school buses face health risks including asthma and cancer.
While route modifications, exhaust retrofits, and “no idling” zones have been implemented in many school districts, ROUSH CleanTech has an easier, cleaner solution —propane autogas powered school buses.
These models significantly lower the amount of particulates being released into the atmosphere each day. The propane autogas bus models burn cleaner than gasoline or diesel, with less nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, greenhouse gases, and particulate emissions.
Another concern for school districts is meeting tight fiscal limitations set forth by their funding boards. As fuel costs for transportation vehicles fueled by diesel and gasoline increase, the need for a less expensive fuel, like propane autogas, expands the market for school districts and private fleets. ROUSH CleanTech sees this demand growing as bus operators express interest in reducing pollution, meeting state and federal emissions standards, and using a domestically produced fuel that lessens our dependence on imported oil.
Two tax credits currently exist that can help with the cost associated with switching to propane; an extension of the 50-cent per gallon alternative fuel tax credit and a credit of 30 percent, up to $30,000, for alternative fuel infrastructure. Coupled with lower fuel and maintenance costs, propane autogas is an economical, clean choice for buses.
To estimate your fleet’s emissions and cost reductions with propane autogas, visit ROUSH CleanTech’s online calculator.
Easy Refueling Options
Refueling propane autogas buses is easy. Many entities utilizing ROUSH CleanTech vehicles choose to install on-site propane autogas fueling stations to make it convenient for drivers to refuel their vehicles. Compact in size and safe for usage, these fueling units can often be installed at low or no cost — just a commitment to a propane supplier. Additionally, with a network of thousands of propane autogas fueling stations across the United States already in place, this alternative fuel choice is readily available. Propane Distribution
Incentives
Check out Incentives for federal and state tax credits and programs available to save you money when considering the switch to propane autogas.
Benefits
Environmental:
- Up to 20 percent less nitrogen oxide
- Up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide
- 17-24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Fewer particulate emissions
- EPA- and CARB-certified
Vehicle:
- No loss in engine performance
- Little to no additional weight to the vehicle
- Comparable driving range between fill-ups
- Maintained vehicle warranty
- No additional scheduled services
- Lower fuel costs by up to 40 percent
- Reduced operating and maintenance costs
Products
Explore our recommended ROUSH CleanTech vehicles and conversion systems for your school bus transportation requirements.
For more information about how ROUSH CleanTech serves the school bus market, contact us at 800.59ROUSH.
