Blue Bird Corp. and CleanFUEL USA will provide 154 Blue Bird propane-powered Vision school buses to several Southern California school districts and contractors prior to the start of the 2009-10 school year.

The propane-powered Vision is equipped with CleanFUEL's advanced liquid propane injection system and GM’s 8.1L engine. Company officials said that sales of the bus have tripled since its release, and growth is expected to remain strong with new funding incentives made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Five school districts in California, as well as contractors working with Los Angeles Unified School District, will increase the number of propane buses in their fleets this year. Student Transportation of America and Durham School Services are among the customers.

"Providing our students with a safe and clean mode of transportation is a high priority for my team," said Greg Miller, senior vice president of fleet operations for Durham. "We currently operate 25 propane school buses and look forward to taking delivery of an additional 67 new propane Vision buses later this year."

Blue Bird also reported orders coming from New Jersey, Ohio, Missouri, Florida, North Dakota, Michigan, British Columbia, Pennsylvania, New York, Iowa and Oregon.

In an effort to promote economic recovery and reduce diesel emissions, the EPA's National Clean Diesel Campaign recently made new funding available. Under the program, school districts can apply for financial assistance toward transportation purchases that support its diesel emissions-reduction strategies. The propane-powered Vision is eligible for a 50-percent discount.

The deadline for applications is April 28. For more details, visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/eparecovery/prognational.htm.