Canadian school district switches entire bus fleet to Autogas

news3-canada

Regina Catholic School Division (RCSD), in partnership with LP3 Transportation Solutions, unveiled its new fleet of 89 Blue Bird propane-powered school buses at École St. Mary. This is the largest fleet of Autogas buses in Saskatchewan province in West Canada. This fuel will allow the school district to save money in maintenance and fuel costs, and to reduce its environmental footprint.

“Our new fleet of school buses fuelled by Autogas means cleaner air around our students and drivers, and within our community,” said Domenic Scuglia, director of education for RCSD.

Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engine, each bus is powered by a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system. The Blue Bird Vision Propane buses emit 80% fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel. They also reduce engine noise levels by 11 decibels, or about 50%, compared with diesel-fuelled buses.

Along with environmental benefits, these new buses were chosen for their ability to start in cold weather, retain heat in the cabin more effectively, and operate more quietly.

Across North America, hundreds of thousands of students are transported daily to school in buses operating on Autogas. Vehicles fuelled by Autogas comply with the same safety standards as their conventionally fuelled counterparts.