BLUE BIRD TO OFFER PROPANE-POWERED SCHOOL BUS
FORT VALLEY, GA (April 24, 2006) -(PR NEWSWIRE) – Blue
Bird Corporation, in conjunction with the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC),
Dallas County Schools and Texas state clean-air advocates, today announced
the availability of a full-size propane-powered school bus for early 2007.
At a formal ceremony in Dallas, Texas, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael
L. Williams commended Blue Bird’s vision and dedication to this important
project. “I greatly appreciate Blue Bird for acknowledging the benefits
of propane-fueled buses and for taking the time and effort to address this
need,” said Williams. “Propane buses cut emissions of soot, smoke
and particulates virtually down to zero. In addition, the new buses reduce
oxides of nitrogen, which contribute to smog.”
As the State of Texas’ chief energy agency, the TRC led an alliance
of concerned organizations that included the Propane Education and Research
Council (PERC) and Clean Fuels USA of Georgetown, Texas. This collective group
worked closely with Blue Bird to secure funding for the development and certification
of the low-emissions propane school bus.
In addition, Williams announced that the Railroad Commission has been awarded
a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to assist Texas school districts
in the purchase of cleaner propane buses. The grant, through the State Energy
Conservation Office, will cover up to 80 percent of the cost difference between
a propane-powered and alternative-powered bus.
The new full-size conventional propane vehicle developed by Blue Bird features
an LPG engine installation in partnership with Powertrain Integration, providing
low-emission certification and 270 horsepower @ 3600 rpm. The buses will be
available in 47 to77 passenger capacities with wheelbases ranging from 189
to 273 inches.
“Our position as a school bus market leader isn’t just the result
of our innovations, it’s also due to the comprehensive line of school
buses we offer to meet the diverse and changing needs of our customers,”
said Jay McDuffie, Blue Bird’s Advertising, Communication, & Training
Manager. “Blue Bird offers a range of school bus propulsion options:
compressed natural gas, diesel, and now propane which provides school districts
with an attractive array of fuel choices.”
In addition to Williams and McDuffie, today’s ceremony was attended
by Collin County Judge Ron Harris, chairman of the Texas Clean Air Working
Group; Tim Jones, Director of Fleet Maintenance, Dallas County Schools; Curtis
Donaldson, President of Clean Fuels USA in Georgetown, Texas, representing
the Propane Education & Research Council; Barry Feldman, EPA Region VI
Clean School Bus program manager; Michael Morris, Executive Director of the
North Central Texas Council of Governments; and Mary-Jo Rowan, program manager
with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C, and D school buses in a variety
of options and configurations. For nearly 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation
has continued to set industry quality standards with its innovative design,
manufacturing capabilities and customer service. Blue Bird has an extensive
network of distributors and service-parts facilities throughout North America.
For more information, please visit www.blue-bird.com
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