Starting this school year, Detroit Public Schools (DPS) will run the largest fleet of propane autogas school buses in the state. The 35 alternative-fueled buses are part of the district’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and lower costs.
James Minnick, executive director of DPS student transportation, reported that the benefit of this green initiative, on top of decreasing vehicle emissions and improving air quality, is that 30 percent of the new fleet will be brand new.
“This also provides for students and the community to observe and learn first-hand about alternative transportation technologies,” said Minnick.
DPS transportation provider ABC Student Transportation went with the Blue Bird Vision Propane bus, which is equipped with engines powered by ROUSH CleanTech, for its environmental benefits and savings at the pump, according to Charlie Grant, president of ABC Student Transportation.
Propane autogas costs roughly 50 percent less than diesel per gallon, and emits 12,445 fewer pounds of nitrogen oxide and 111 less pounds of particulate matter each year compared with the diesel buses. To fuel the buses, ABC installed a station with a 12,000-gallon propane tank.
“This is a great example of how the city of Detroit is being innovative in everything they do,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird.
