MACON, Ga. — Blue Bird Corporation has proudly delivered its 5,000th gasoline-powered school bus, following its “first-to-market” introduction just over two years ago. The Type C gasoline bus has grown in popularity due to low upfront costs, reliable cold-weather startup and heating capabilities, ease of fueling accessibility and maintenance cost savings.
WE Transport in Plainview, New York, received delivery of the milestone bus in December, along with 59 other Blue Bird Vision Gasoline buses.
“This is the first time WE Transport has brought fuel other than diesel into our bus fleet,” said Bart Marksohn, owner of the school transportation contractor, WE Transport. “Our wish for an affordable, reliable bus came true when Blue Bird and our dealer, Bird Bus, offered the Vision gasoline model. We are extremely happy with our decision and foresee gasoline being a big part of our future operations.”
Marksohn noted that the buses’ low upfront cost and proven reliability were factors in their decision. WE Transport services more than 50 districts throughout New York, many of which are located on Long Island. The Gas Buses will be used in Plainview, Island Trees, and Smithtown, with WE Transport being New York’s first contractor to operate a large gasoline school bus fleet.
“After reviewing the gasoline value with WE Transport, no sales pitch was needed,” said Rick Reichenbach, CEO of Bird Bus Sales, the New York Blue Bird dealer. “The company is first-class and Bird Bus is honored to share in their success.”
Sales of the Blue Bird Vision Gasoline bus have grown significantly since its introduction in the fall of 2016. The bus is built on the Ford 6.8-liter V10 engine and equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system. Nearly 1,000 school districts now operate Blue Bird’s gasoline school bus.
Because they require no costly after-treatment systems or fluids like diesel buses, Blue Bird Vision Gasoline school buses are easy to maintain. They also run on the same proven Ford/ROUSH CleanTech powertrain system, which operates on thousands of buses in their propane platform.
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts.
As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered, electric and compressed natural gas-powered school buses.
Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio. www.blue-bird.com
