First Student Purchases 86 Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision School Buses for Use in Portland Public Schools

First Student Purchases 86 Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision School Buses for Use in Portland Public Schools

First Student, the largest provider of student transportation in North America, is taking delivery of 86 Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses throughout the month of June. Planned for use in Portland Public Schools in Portland, Ore., this is the largest single order to date of propane autogas fueled buses for Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech. In their first year of operation, these propane autogas school buses are expected to save $500,000 to $700,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over their diesel counterparts.

The new Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision, equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s dedicated liquid propane autogas fuel system, reduces carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and total hydrocarbon emissions, and virtually eliminates particulate matter, when compared to conventionally fueled school buses. Powered by the 362 horsepower, 457 lb.-ft. torque Ford 6.8-liter V-10 engine, the school buses meet stringent Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certification standards.