Congress passes alt-fuel tax credit extensions

The fiscal deal passed by Congress this week includes provisions that benefit fleets that use alternative fuels. The bill, expected to be signed into law by President Obama, extends tax credits for such fuels as propane, compressed natural gas and biodiesel — all of which power many school buses.

Student Transportation Inc. wins its biggest contract

The school bus contractor will serve two Nebraska school districts with about 530 vehicles, including more than 400 new propane buses. Company officials say that it will be the nation's largest propane-powered school bus fleet.

Blue Bird dealer revamps training, pushes alt-fuels

Now in its 37th year of business, Central States Bus Sales recently strengthened efforts to focus on the school bus manufacturer’s green technologies and provide comprehensive instruction for customers in the process.

Collins delivers 134 propane buses to First Student

The NEXBUS units will be used by the school bus contractor to provide student transportation to Seattle Public Schools and Portland (Ore.) Public Schools. The propane fuel system was developed in partnership with CleanFUEL USA.

Thomas Built to develop CNG-fueled Type C

The school bus manufacturer announces at the NAPT Summit that it will develop a Saf-T-Liner C2 powered by compressed natural gas. Also, Thomas Built’s new propane Type A is now in production, and its propane Type C is expected to be available next year.

District officials ride Blue Bird propane-powered bus

During the event hosted by ROUSH CleanTech and organized by Blue Bird dealer Cardinal Bus Sales, 30 Ohio school district representatives go on a 300-mile roundtrip ride between Lima, Ohio, and Livonia, Mich., in the propane-powered Vision. They learn about ROUSH’s liquid propane fuel system and product platforms, and tour the company’s emissions testing dynamometer lab and the manufacturing facility.

Snapshots — Summer and Fall 2012

W.Va. adds propane as option for school buses

State director Ben Shew tells SBF that propane’s price and its availability in West Virginia are key factors in school districts’ interest in the alternative fuel. He says that switching to propane could save more than $3,100 in fuel costs annually per bus.

Pupil transporters among 40 Sustainability All-Stars

Officials from Houston Independent School District, Mesa (Ariz.) Public Schools, and Wisconsin contractor Riteway receive the award at the Green Fleet Conference. Their efforts include implementing alternative fuels, increasing route efficiency and decreasing office energy consumption.

Thomas Built CEO sees permanent shifts in school bus market

Kelley Platt, the company's president and CEO, says that transportation changes many districts are making — from running buses longer to increasing walking distances — have reduced the need for new buses and aren’t likely to be reversed. In turn, the OEM is focused on becoming more cost-effective in its manufacturing while maintaining quality. Platt discusses the market shifts, cost of ownership and product developments with SBF.