Millard, Omaha Public Schools and Student Transportation Inc., Report Annual Savings Using Propane Autogas
Blue Bird alternative fuel buses offer economical, environmental savings
OMAHA, Neb.(July 17, 2014) — Fuel cost savings of $5,000 per day. Cheaper and simpler oil changes. Emissions reduced by millions of pounds.
That’s the message of a new case studyanalyzing Student Transportation Inc.’s 435 school buses operating with propane autogas during a one-year period.
These buses service Nebraska’s Millard and Omaha public school district. They also support Omaha’s “Green Schools Initiative,” which encourages environmental responsibility, consumption reduction and green living.
“Propane autogas buses offer a healthier choice for passengers and make sense for the environment,” said Patrick Vaughan, chief operating officer for Student Transportation (STI). “Omaha’s use of these buses supports their commitment to a clean city.”
The buses travel between 100 to 150 miles per day for an average of about 50,000 miles each school day. STI estimates that 4.2 million fewer pounds of carbon dioxide have been released into the atmosphere with these buses over the past year. On average, propane autogas costs about 50 percent less per gallon than diesel and reduces routine maintenance expenses.
With 96 percent of its school buses running on propane autogas, Omaha is projected to become the first school system in the nation with a 100-percent propane autogas bus fleet.
“We are seeing a widespread trend of school districts switching to propane autogas,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird, the bus manufacturer. “For school districts looking for tremendous fuel and maintenance savings, in addition to providing cleaner air for the students and community, propane autogas is a smart solution.”
Currently, more than 10 percent of STI’s existing 12,000-vehicle national fleet operates on propane autogas, with plans for more.
The Blue Bird Propane Vision and Micro Bird buses are equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s propane autogas fuel systems.
To view a brief video with Omaha Public School’s assistant superintendent, visit propanestraighttalk.com.
About Blue Bird: Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For 85 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,500 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network of dealers and service-parts facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation website at www.blue-bird.com.
About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, an industry leader of alternative fuel vehicle technology, is a division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Mich. 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. 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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