CINCINNATI — First Student is adding 50 Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses to its fleet to transport students under a contract with Bozeman (Mont.) Public Schools.

Propane autogas, which costs up to 50% less per gallon than diesel fuel, offers reduced maintenance costs due to its clean-burning properties, officials said. In addition, on the school buses, noise levels are reduced by 50% when compared to diesel counterparts.

First Student’s new Blue Bird school buses also have safety features for the school district’s students and drivers, including GPS, onboard digital video cameras, the Child Check-Mate electronic reminder system and crossing gates to direct children to cross in front of the bus at a safe distance.

In other news, First Student has named Jim Ring area general manager of the company’s southern Illinois region.

Ring was the senior location manager for the company’s Cincinnati location from 2010-12. He was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the location’s operations, including safety, maintenance and training.

Officials said Ring transformed the Cincinnati location into a top performer in customer service and growth. Prior to joining First Student, he spent more than 20 years in the transportation industry with UPS and DHL Express.  

In his current role as area general manager, Ring works closely with local management teams and oversees operations for locations throughout the southern Illinois region, including Edwardsville, Springfield, Decatur and Belleville.

Other news related to First Student and Blue Bird:

• First Student to serve Ohio district under 10-year contract

• New Blue Bird dealer in New England