LEE’S SUMMIT, Mo. — Lee’s Summit R-7 School District recently acquired 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) school buses.

The purchase of the Thomas Built Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG buses is part of the district’s program that uses alternative energy to generate funds for classroom technology.

Lee’s Summit started converting its fleet to CNG about four years ago to reduce fuel costs and emissions.

“In 2013, the district set a goal to save $11 million in fuel costs in 10 years from our conversion to CNG — money that will be used to purchase technology infrastructure and equipment that will benefit all R-7 schools and facilities,” said Keith Henry, director of transportation. “Since the district initiated the conversion, we have not only experienced fuel savings, but we have also seen a dramatic decrease in emissions and maintenance costs. We love the quiet, clean-burning, and efficient nature of CNG and are so excited to add the new Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG school buses to our fleet.”

The Saf-T-Liner C2 CNG utilizes the Cummins Westport ISB6.7 G 6.7-liter natural gas engine and an Allison 2000 Series transmission. According to Thomas Built, the bus is CARB-certified, and it meets CARB’s optional low oxides of nitrogen standard of 0.1 g/bhp-hr. and EPA’s 2016 emissions and 2017 greenhouse gas requirements.

“We were honored to partner with Lee’s Summit in 2013 when they purchased Saf-T-Liner HDX CNG school buses as part of their overall conversion to CNG, the largest conversion to CNG at the time,” said Caley Edgerly, president and CEO of Thomas Built Buses. “Today, Lee’s Summit is reaping the benefits of switching to an alternative fuel, and we are proud that they continue to request the Thomas Built product as they introduce more and more CNG school buses into their fleet.”