Texas, Michigan districts to receive propane buses

FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Texas and Michigan school districts recently purchased Propane-Powered Vision school buses manufactured by Blue Bird Corp., helping to expand the number of units currently on the road.

Since its introduction in 2007, more than 1,000 Propane-Powered Visions are transporting children across the U.S. and Canada, the company said.

Denton (Texas) Independent School District’s (ISD) transportation department operates 44 Propane-Powered Visions, making it the fourth largest propane fleet in the state. The district is scheduled to receive seven additional Propane-Powered Visions next month.

“We are extremely pleased with the operational capabilities of the Propane-Powered Vision. Our drivers enjoy the benefits of propane-powered buses because they offer greater power, operate quieter and the emissions are safer for the children we transport,” said Gene Holloway, director of transportation. “While other transportation departments are asking school boards and superintendants for more transportation money, I have the honor of coming to the table with money, thanks to the incentives and tax rebates offered for propane-powered solutions. Currently, we have a tax rebate check from the IRS totaling $151,000 for utilizing propane fuel! I can’t say enough good things about the Propane-Powered Vision.”

Moreover, Zeeland (Mich.) Public Schools has purchased nine Propane-Powered Visions, with delivery scheduled for this month.

“One of our initial concerns with propane was the ability to start the bus during our coldest months. To alleviate our concerns, our dealer allowed us to demo a Propane-Powered Vision for the months of December and January. We were highly impressed, as we had no problems starting or operating the bus when the temperatures dipped below freezing, and the increased performance that propane provided exceeded our expectations,” Director of Transportation Dave Meeuwsen said. “We are looking forward to receiving our Propane-Powered Visions this month.”

Blue Bird recently expanded its popular propane offerings with the introduction of the Propane-Powered Micro Bird. This alternative-fuel Type A bus features best-in-class performance and a fuel range of up to 320 miles.

The addition of the Propane-Powered Micro Bird placed Blue Bird as the only manufacturer to offer a complete line of buses with alternative-fuel options. The Propane-Powered Micro Bird, currently available to order, is an extension of Blue Bird’s commitment to providing the industry with safe and affordable alternative-fuel options, the company said.