REGINA, Saskatchewan — On Wednesday, École St. Mary, Regina Catholic School Division (RCSD), in partnership with school bus company LP3 Transportation Solutions, unveiled its new fleet of Blue Bird propane school buses.

“Our new fleet of school buses fueled by propane means cleaner air around our students and drivers, and within our community,” said Domenic Scuglia, the director of education for RCSD. “At Regina Catholic Schools, we always consider our students’ needs first when we make any decision inside and outside of the classroom.”

RCSD partnered with LP3 Transportation Solutions to add 89 of the new fourth generation Blue Bird Vision Propane buses from Legacy Bus Sales in Saskatoon to help reduce the emissions produced by each school bus. These buses make up 100% of the school division’s Type C fleet, and this fleet of propane buses is the largest in Saskatchewan, according to Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech.

“Regina Catholic School Division was the top priority when we started to look at school divisions that we wanted to work with because of our shared mission and values,” said David White, vice president of operations for LP3 Transportation Solutions. “Our event today, called ‘Meaningful Difference with Alternative Fuels’ exemplifies that partnership.”

Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engine, each bus is powered by a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. According to Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech, the buses emit 80% fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel.

Along with environmental benefits, the new buses were chosen for their ability to start in cold weather, retain heat in the cabin more effectively, and operate more quietly. Buses fueled by propane reduce engine noise levels by 11 decibels, or about 50%, compared with diesel-fueled buses, according to Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech.

Blue Bird unveiled the fourth generation of its Vision Propane Type C school bus in July.

RCSD fuels its propane buses at an onsite station, and has plans to set up additional propane fuel stations in remote locations in the near future.

“Blue Bird congratulates Regina Catholic Schools for their leadership in alternative-fuel use in Saskatchewan,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird.

“Regina Catholic Schools joins over 600 school districts throughout North America that run clean-operating propane buses,” said Brian Carney, executive director of school bus sales and customer support for ROUSH CleanTech.