As of July 1, 2020, the University of Pittsburgh has a new partner to shuttle students around campus. The Pittsburgh Transportation Group is now operating the University’s campus shuttles using an all-new fleet of 20 propane-powered shuttle buses equipped with passenger-counting technology and Wi-Fi. According to the University, the shift to propane-powered vehicles will help it move toward its carbon neutrality goals.
Nearly four years ago, the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal erupted. It led to a settlement of over $14 billion with $2.9 billion earmarked for the Environmental Mitigation Trust (EMT) to fund projects that reduce nitrogen oxides — harmful emissions regulated under federal air quality standards because they are known to be harmful to human health and to the environment.
Explore the Propane Education & Resource Council’s new propane autogas resources webpage. The comprehensive site offers the latest information to stay educated on all things propane school bus. Resources include the differences between propane buses and other fuel sources; advantages of propane autogas for schools; fueling, case studies; Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust information; a savings calculator; and more. Be sure to sign up to receive PERC’s e-newsletter, The Autogas Refuel, for the latest news.
On August 26, 2020, Washington County Schools (WCS) celebrated the addition of five new propane-powered school buses to their fleet through a ribbon-cutting and “big check” presentation event. In late 2019, WCS applied for and won $102,500 towards their efforts to replace older diesel buses through the Tennessee’s “Reducing Diesel Emissions for a Healthier Tennessee” (RDE4HT) Rebate Program. The five new propane buses were received in June and July, checked and tested by WCS transportation staff and started use in recent weeks. Jonathan Overly of the East Tennessee Clean Fuels Coalition served as the event emcee.
Propane business groups say 94 school districts across New York State, including Rush-Henrietta, are adding, or have added, propane-fueled buses to their transportation fleets. Director of Auto-Gas Development Steve Whaley says there are benefits of switching to propane from gas or diesel, including affordability, being 96 percent better for the environment and healthier for students waiting at bus stops who are at eye level to the nitrogen oxides emitted from diesel buses.
The school buses of the future arrived two weeks ago. On Aug. 10, the DeKalb Central school district began hauling students in the state’s only fleet that features seat belts and stop-arm camera in every buses and propane engines in all but a few.
State and local leaders gathered on Thursday to welcome over a dozen new propane-fueled buses to the city’s school bus fleet. Culminating a five-year process that New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu said will serve as a model for other similar projects in the state, the 14 new school buses are fueled by propane autogas will replace 18-year-old diesel vehicles, primarily in the city’s downtown area.
The pandemic has certainly altered the way kids will return to school for the 2020-21 school year. And that includes changes with school bus transportation.
This school year is going to look different than any that have come before it, and school transportation directors have big challenges in front of them. With so much uncertainty surrounding how districts will be required to keep children safe while at school — and the additional funds required to make that happen — it’s very likely many districts will be asking their transportation leaders to find cost-effective solutions to achieve safety guidelines.
Our Field Service Engineers have started to travel again, however, in an effort to minimize risk to our team and customers, the team is only traveling for situations and projects deemed essential. We have also outlined procedures for our team to follow while visiting a customer facility.
Below highlights a few of the key precautions we are taking:
Welcome Our Newest FSE
Meet the newest Field Service Engineer, Julian Din. Julian will be the FSE for the western region and brings 20 years of Ford technical experience to the team. He has mentored 5 Ford Asset students towards their college degree and has achieved his Ford Master Technician certificate. In his free time, Julian is an avid bass fisherman and looks forward to fishing with his son in his first tournament.
Below is the most up to date Field Service map with contact information.
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