
EPA Offers $40 Million in Diesel Emission Reduction Grants
For the new round of DERA funds, the EPA expects to make between 20 and 80 awards for projects to replace or retrofit older diesel vehicles, including school buses.
TULSA, Okla. — A mechanic from Red Creek, N.Y., and a commercial vehicle enforcement officer from Olympia, Wash., were named "America's Best" school bus technician and inspector, respectively, in a new competition.
David Gasbarro of Red Creek Central School District and Ryan Wiese of the Washington State Patrol beat competitors from six other states in a contest that included a 50-question written exam and a 45-minute field test.
"I don't come to these events thinking I'm going to win," said Gasbarro. "I like to meet other people who are in my line of work. The ideas and experiences we share are valuable in every aspect."
Wiese offered a similar perspective. "Overall, it was a great experience," he said. "The written test had some tough questions, and the field test required you to think on your feet."
The event, which took place at IC Corp.'s school bus manufacturing plant in Tulsa, was sponsored by Bus Parts Warehouse and Zonar Systems. Gasbarro and Wiese each won an all-expense-paid trip to Cincinnati, where they will be recognized on Oct. 31 at the National Association for Pupil Transportation's (NAPT) annual awards banquet, held in conjunction with the annual conference Oct. 31 to Nov. 4.
In addition, all participants in the event were given a tour of the IC Corp. bus manufacturing plant. "We couldn't have done any of this without the support of our business partners," said Bill Tousley, an NAPT regional director who helped to organize the event. "IC Corp. was an especially gracious host, and IC employees Ron Brigler and Matt Manlandro in particular deserve a tremendous amount of credit for their hard work."
This year's inaugural event attracted competitors from eight states. The event was organized by the NAPT, which has chosen Thomas Built Buses' High Point, N.C., plant for next year's competition.
"When we first came up with this concept, I said that we should expect to see some incredible talent come to light," NAPT President Steve Kalmes said. "All of the competitors proved me right. Watching them work was awe-inspiring. They represent our industry extraordinarily well."
For the new round of DERA funds, the EPA expects to make between 20 and 80 awards for projects to replace or retrofit older diesel vehicles, including school buses.
The school bus OEM highlights the efficiency, reliability, and reduced emissions of today’s diesel engines.
The ebright Smart Control System has been incorporated into Stertil-Koni’s Diamondlift.
A $30,000 grant funds installation of Idle Free Heat technology on Granite School District buses.
Automotive supplier and tire manufacturer Continental unveils ContiConnect, which uses the Internet of Things to help enhance tire maintenance.
The OEM cites lower upfront costs and maintenance savings as key factors in the growing sales of its Vision Gasoline bus.
The dealership’s Oklahoma and Illinois branches undergo training and improvements aimed at enhancing the customer experience.
Two new cooling compressors target trends in bus manufacturing, featuring smaller designs and higher capacity.
Roush CleanTech is fielding inquiries about propane and other fuels in the new “Got Questions?” section of the School Bus Fleet site.
JohnDow Industries’ new line of Diesel Carrytanks are available in 58- and 106-gallon capacities and are designed to transport and transfer diesel fuel wherever needed.
School buses powered by Roush CleanTech propane fuel systems with Ford 6.8L 2V and 3V engines are covered under the CARB HD-OBD certification.
The new facility features a 15,000 square foot service area, including a paint booth and specialized bays to service CNG vehicles.
A new series of universal multi-purpose fork adapters are engineered to increase the versatility, utility, and performance of Stertil-Koni’s mobile column lifts.
An introduction to Thomas Built Buses’ first-generation Saf-T-Liner C2 electric bus, Jouley.
With temperatures as low as minus 30, Howard-Winneshiek CSD says its propane buses warm up in a few minutes.
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