The Metropolitan School District of Warren Township in Indiana is rolling out 11 propane autogas powered school buses this month, making it the largest deployment of its type in the state.
The district purchased the new Blue Bird Propane Vision Buses from MacAllister Transportation, an Indianapolis-based dealer. Ten of these buses are 78-passenger capacity models, and one includes a wheelchair lift. The buses will replace older diesel models.
“Better cold weather starts, lower maintenance and fuel cost, quieter buses, as well as better air quality for students, the bus driver and our community were the reasons we chose propane autogas,” said Steve Smith, director of transportation for M.S.D. Warren Township. “With the fuel’s clean operation, we anticipate longer maintenance intervals and lower periodic maintenance cost.”
The district also installed two fueling stations with a capacity of a thousand gallons each.
“M.S.D. Warren Township joins over 500 other districts nationwide experiencing the benefits of propane autogas technology: lowering operating costs, maintenance costs and emissions,” said Brian Carney, group account director for ROUSH CleanTech, which manufactures the propane autogas fuel systems for Blue Bird.
According to a statement, it is expected that the buses will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 13,600 pounds and particulate matter by approximately 350 pounds per year, compared to the diesel models they are replacing.
“Blue Bird provides innovative and cost-effective green transportation solutions for its school district customers,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “Through its research, M.S.D. Warren Township determined that propane autogas was the best choice for reducing fuel and maintenance costs, while providing cleaner air for the community.”
