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Ariz. district buys 13 propane school buses

Glendale Elementary School District acquires six Blue Bird propane buses and seven Collins propane buses — the district's first powered by the alternative fuel. Canyon State Bus Sales' Phil Polizzatto calls the district's decision "both financially and environmentally responsible."

January 7, 2013
2 min to read


GLENDALE, Ariz. — Canyon State Bus Sales today announced the sale of 13 new propane-powered school buses to Glendale Elementary School District.

Six of the buses are Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision Type C units, and seven of the buses are NEXBUS Type A propane units from Collins Bus Corp.

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“We are very excited to add environmentally friendly propane buses to our fleet," said Eric Kissel, director of transportation for Glendale Elementary School District. "With the help of Canyon State Bus Sales, we are going to be using buses that pollute less and save money for the school district.”

Officials said that with 60% less carbon monoxide, 12% less carbon dioxide, 20% less nitrogen oxide and up to 25% less greenhouse gases than gasoline, the new propane-powered buses will reduce the district's carbon footprint. Additionally, 90% of the U.S. propane supply is domestically produced, reducing the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

“The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision is a great choice for any school district looking for a cost-effective, green solution to safely transport children,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corp. “The Glendale School District’s new propane-powered buses are a win-win for the children they transport and the community taxpayers, with cleaner emissions and highly affordable fuel costs. The district will be a thriving example of the benefits of using American-sourced propane autogas.”

Kent Tyler, president of Collins Bus Corp., added that the Type A manufacturer is "pleased to join with them to support their customers and the community with efficient and environmentally friendly buses.”

Phil Polizzatto, owner and president of Canyon State Bus Sales, said that the district is being "both financially and environmentally responsible by choosing this technology."

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Polizzatto also noted that Glendale Elementary School District's partnership with fuel supplier Ferrellgas has allowed the district to save "significant dollars in both their fueling station and fuel costs."

Canyon State Bus Sales will hold a media event for Glendale Elementary School District at the district office in Glendale on Friday at 9 a.m. MST. The event is open to the public.


Other news on propane buses in Arizona:

• Ariz. district sees increased savings with propane buses

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