Leander ISD Increases Propane-Powered School Bus Fleet
District adds 24 new school buses powered by emission-reducing, affordable alternative fuel for the 2016-17 school year
LEANDER, Texas (Sept. 7, 2016) — Leander ISD’s school bus fleet is getting greener with the addition of 24 new buses fueled by propane autogas. The school district retired 20 old diesel buses in early August in preparation for the deployment of the new propane models. This brings LISD’s total number of propane-fueled buses to 64.
Twenty of LISD’s new buses rolled out in August, with four more special education buses to be delivered in September. The school district received a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality financial grant that rebated 60 percent of the purchase price.
“These buses will lead LISD to a brighter future by helping to decrease our carbon footprint,” said Steve Stripling, director of transportation for the district. “Our older diesel buses didn’t run as clean, and it was time to replace them with propane technology that will reduce emissions out of the tailpipe. Our school district is a steward of our environment and seeks the best options for the health and safety of our students and community.”
The new Blue Bird Vision Propane buses are powered with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engine equipped by a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system. The new propane buses will reduce annual nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by over 31,200 pounds and particulate matter emissions by over 635 pounds compared with the diesel buses that were replaced.
“In addition to the propane buses being a good environmental choice, they are also a good economic choice,” said Brian Carney, executive director of school bus sales and customer support for ROUSH CleanTech. “Leander ISD won’t have to spend additional time and money on preventative maintenance that’s needed for newer technology diesel buses. Propane buses eliminate the need for diesel exhaust after-treatment systems and a number of other expensive maintenance items due to the clean-burning property of the fuel.”
Currently, LISD pays 73 cents per gallon for propane autogas compared with $1.50 per gallon for diesel. Last year, the school district received a 50-cent-per-gallon federal tax rebate and expects to receive a 36-cent-per-gallon rebate this year.
“In LISD, we constantly look for ways to give our taxpayers a return on their investment, as well as to provide the safest and cleanest burning technology as possible,” said Stripling. “We firmly feel that the purchase of our propane fleet meets this goal.”
About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Michigan. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses, and compressed natural gas fuel systems for Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America. Learn more at ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800.59.ROUSH.
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