University Study Backs Propane
It was exciting to see the news that a West Virginia University study found that propane school buses dramatically decrease harmful emissions. This study, commissioned by the Propane Education & Research Council, provides many compelling facts that you can use when speaking with customers about propane buses.
The study, performed with Blue Bird Vision Propane buses, concluded emissions measured from propane school buses are significantly lower than those from diesel buses. It concentrated on nitrogen oxides (NOx) — highly damaging emissions that are federally regulated due to their negative impact on human health and the environment.
According to the study, NOx emissions are:
- 34 times higher in a diesel school bus than in a propane bus, over a stop-and-go route.
- 15 to 19 times higher in the diesel school bus over a hot- and cold-start city route.
Bottom line: Propane autogas school buses reduce NOx by at least 95 percent.
As PERC’s Tucker Perkins says, this study is “monumental from an emissions and health perspective for students, schools, and communities across the country.”
Because exposure to NOx exhaust can trigger asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory issues, propane school buses are better for human health and the environment, and a better choice for schools. That’s great news for the more than 1 million students in over 900 school districts across the nation who ride to school in propane school buses each day.
Finding ways to significantly reduce harmful emissions has been driving us since we began developing propane buses. This data proves we are on the right track. If you have any questions about this study or other propane facts, contact your ROUSH CleanTech sales representative.
