The Metropolitan School District (MSD) of Warren Township is slated to roll out Indiana’s largest fleet of propane autogas school buses this month.
The 11 Blue Bird Propane Vision buses, purchased through dealer MacAllister Transportation, include 10 78-passenger models and one bus outfitted with a wheelchair lift.
“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 propane autogas,” explains Steve Smith, director of transportation for MSD Warren Township. “With the fuel’s clean operation, we anticipate longer maintenance intervals and lower periodic maintenance cost.”
The new Blue Bird Propane Vision buses replace older diesel models. A propane autogas fuel system manufactured by ROUSH CleanTech powers each bus.
“MSD Warren Township joins over 500 other districts nationwide experiencing the benefits of propane autogas technology,” says Brian Carney, group account director for ROUSH CleanTech.
To fuel the buses, MSD Warren Township installed two on-site autogas fuel stations with a 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,” says Smith.
According to ROUSH CleanTech, the fleet of autogas buses will reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by over 13,600 pounds and particulate matter by about 350 pounds each year compared with the diesel buses they replaced.
