Though fuel prices have dropped, their instability can take a toll on school district budgets. Yet alt-fuel prices are more stable and create longer term cost savings, according to a webinar from Collins Bus and Westport.
The webinar on Thursday shared with student transporters the potential economic, safety and health benefits of operating compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses, and specifically the Collins Bus Type A CNG model.
Matt Scheuler, president of Collins Bus, and Paul Shaffer, vice president of Westport Dallas, were the webinar presenters.
The noted benefits include the lower cost of CNG per gallon and the total savings in fuel over the lifetime of the bus, which Shaffer said can add up to $2,812 per year for a bus that travels approximately 15,000 miles annually. He also said that CNG is produced domestically, therefore reducing dependence on “global dynamics,” a point also made recently by NGVAmerica.
“With fuel as the most significant cost to a fleet, the decision on which type of fuel to be used is extremely important both now and in the future, as these buses are kept in use for many years,” he said.
Shaffer also discussed some of the advantages of CNG and how these may work for school districts. For example, he said that CNG may be safer than other fuels due to its “light” and “clean” nature.
“Gas is lighter than air. If there is a leak, the (compressed natural) gas rises and dissipates into the atmosphere versus pooling on the ground like other fuels such as gasoline, diesel or even propane.”
He added that any leak or spill of flammable substances creates a higher risk of a fire, which can potentially lead to property loss, injury and death. In the school bus arena, this potential is particularly troubling because of the high number of children riding these buses daily.
Shaffer also said that CNG is safer in terms of emission levels, adding that due to its low carbon content, it is a “cleaner” option — which is better for children’s health.
The presentation also discussed the background of the partnership between the bus OEM and the natural gas engine and vehicle supplier as well as the features of the Collins Type A bus. Some of these features include a Ford five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty and certification from the Environmental Protection Agency and the California Air Resources Board.
The webinar concluded with both speakers fielding questions from attendees.
