Alternatively fuelled school buses from ROUSH CleanTech and Blue Bird roll out in January for the Metropolitan School District of Warren Township. The fleet represents the largest deployment of propane Autogas school buses in the state of Indiana. The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision buses, equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system, include ten 78-passenger models, one bus outfitted with a wheelchair lift, and will replace older diesel models.

“Better cold weather starts, lower maintenance and fuel cost, quieter buses, as well as better air quality for students, the bus driver and our community were the reasons we chose Autogas,” said Steve Smith, director of transportation for M.S.D. Warren Township. “With the fuel’s clean operation, we anticipate longer maintenance intervals and lower periodic maintenance cost.”

Historically, Autogas costs about 50% less than diesel per gallon and reduces maintenance costs due to its clean-operating properties. To fuel the buses, M.S.D. Warren Township installed two onsite Autogas refuelling stations with 1,000-gallon capacity each. “Our drivers will feel more confident taking the longer routes and field trips by having fuel conveniently located and available around the clock,” Smith said.

“M.S.D. Warren Township joins over 500 other districts nationwide experiencing the benefits of propane autogas technology: lowering operating costs, maintenance costs and emissions,” said Brian Carney, group account director for ROUSH CleanTech.

The fleet of propane autogas buses will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 13.600 pounds (6.100 kilograms) and particulate matter by about 350 pounds (158 kilograms) each year compared with the diesel buses they replaced.

“We are focused on providing innovative and cost-effective green transportation solutions for our school district customers,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird. “We are delighted that through their research, M.S.D. Warren Township determined that Blue Bird’s Propane-Powered Vision bus is the best choice for reducing fuel and maintenance costs while providing cleaner air for the community.”