HIGH POINT, N.C. — Thomas Built Buses said that it has received more than 1,500 orders for selective catalytic reduction (SCR)-equipped Saf-T-Liner buses.

The manufacturer has taken orders for units in 44 states and five Canadian provinces.  

American Bus Sales and Service, the Thomas Built dealer for Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia, placed one of the first large orders for the new buses: 59 Saf-T-Liner HDX units, which will be delivered to Montgomery County Public Schools in Rockville, Md., this summer. 

Prince William County Public Schools in Manassas, Va., is another operation that will operate school buses equipped with SCR technology, which meets the EPA's 2010 emissions standards.

“We invest in new safety and emissions technology because we know it’s the best thing to do, not only for the safety of the students we transport, but also for the environment in the communities we serve,” said Ed Bishop, transportation director for the district, who recently ordered 40 SCR-equipped buses. “We have chosen SCR because we understand that it is a proven technology, and we believe it’s the best technology over the long term.” 

Ken Hedgecock, vice president of sales, marketing and service for Thomas Built, said that like Prince William County Public Schools, "other large school districts and transportation providers have welcomed the opportunity to extend their commitment to sound environmental strategies with their selection of proven SCR technology.”