DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. — Durham School Services, a subsidiary of National Express Corporation, announced today it has received the first of two NEXBUS Hybrid-Electric school buses from Collins Bus Corporation.
The first bus, configured for 20 seats, was delivered to Durham’s Rosemead, California location. The bus is built on a Ford E-450 chassis with Azure Dynamic’s parallel drive system.
NEXBUS is Collins’ trademarked name for the series of buses using advanced technologies such as hybrid-electric drive systems and other green technologies. Collins has an exclusive agreement with Azure Dynamics to provide hybrid-electric chassis for Type A school buses. Collins is the largest builder of Type A school buses and the only manufacturer capable of producing a school bus certified hybrid.
Depending on the configuration and driving conditions, the hybrid-electric school bus can achieve up to a 40-percent increase in fuel economy, while reducing maintenance costs by 30 percent. More importantly, through reduced idling, the hybrid technology can reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by up to 30 percent, giving schools an opportunity to improve air quality, especially locations where buses often sit and idle while loading or unloading students.
The bus (shown in the attached photo) was displayed in July at the STN Expo in Reno, Nevada. Durham allowed expo attendees to test drive the new technology during Collin’s “Ride and Drive” demonstration. Many state transportation directors and bus drivers were able to experience the features and benefits of hybrid technology for the first time.
Greg Miller, Senior Vice President of Fleet Operations for National Express Corporation, said, “Our corporate responsibility is to ensure we support appropriate and sustaining technologies that not only benefit the environment, but also offer a viable, future application.”
Durham is piloting hybrid-electric buses to better understand the specific characteristics of the vehicles, and to determine real world economics ahead of any broader applications.
Kent Tyler, President of Collins Bus Corporation, said, “We really appreciate National Express Corporation as a customer and their willingness to show their new bus at the show was a big plus. We sell more Type A School buses than any other manufacturer and will continue to research and develop new technologies for the market. The NEXBUS hybrid is a great example of how we can team with partners like Azure and National Express to put the best green technologies to work.”
About Durham School Services
Durham School Services is a leading provider of student transportation consistently recognized for its outstanding safety record. Durham partners with school districts in 29 states and operates a fleet of more than 13,500 buses. Our success rests with our dedicated employees who live our mission: “Getting kids to school safe, on time and ready to learn…every day.” For more information, visit www.durhamschoolservices.com.
National Express Corporation (NEC) is the North American subsidiary of National Express Group, PLC, one of the premier transportation firms in the United Kingdom. NEC is made up of Durham School Services in the United States and Stock Transportation in Canada. Both Durham and Stock share a strong commitment to provide quality transportation, outstanding customer service, positive employee relations and the highest level of safety. For more information, visit www.nationalexpresscorp.com.
About Collins Bus Corporation
Collins Bus Corporation, a subsidiary of Collins Industries, Inc., is the largest producer of Type-A buses in North America and markets under three brands: Collins, Mid Bus, and Corbeil. They have a distribution network of over 70 dealers in the United States and Canada. For more information please visit www.collinsbuscorp.com.
About Azure Dynamics Corporation
Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) (OTCQX: AZDDF) is a world leader in the development and production of hybrid electric and electric components and power train systems for commercial vehicles. Azure is strategically targeting the commercial delivery vehicle and shuttle bus markets and is currently working internationally with various partners and customers. The Company is committed to providing customers and partners with innovative, cost-efficient, and environmentally-friendly energy management solutions. For more information please visit www.azuredynamics.com.
