First Student purchases 86 Blue Bird propane buses

The contractor receives the buses this month, and they will be used by Portland (Ore.) Public Schools. Officials for Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech, which developed the fuel system for the buses, say that it is the largest single order to date for the Next Generation Propane-Powered Vision. In related news, John Roselli joins Blue Bird as director of alternative fuels.

John Barrington joins Blue Bird dealership

The industry veteran is named transportation business manager for MacAllister Power Systems, where he will lead the school bus sales team, in addition to MacAllister’s on-highway parts and service sales. Barrington most recently served as vice president of sales and compliance for the U.S. at Lion Bus.

Blue Bird exhibits at Chinese bus and truck expo

The company displays its 2012 Vision school bus at the 2012 China Bus, Truck and Component Expo in Beijing this week. In February, Blue Bird participated in the first China International School Bus Development Forum and Exhibition.

Ga., Ind. districts pioneer use of propane school buses

Hall County Schools in Gainesville, Ga., which runs 20 Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses, is recognized by state legislators and dignitaries as the state’s first school district to power buses with the alternative fuel. Tippecanoe School Corp. in Lafayette, Ind., will reportedly deploy the state’s first Propane-Powered Vision units prior to summer break. Officials say both districts are seeing savings in fuel costs from the buses.

Ariz. district sees increased savings with propane buses

A new case study reveals that Mesa Public Schools’ Blue Bird Propane-Powered Micro Bird Type A school buses and six Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision Type C units are yielding a savings of 32.6 cents per mile. In February, the district reported a savings of 25.1 cents per mile with the Type A buses.

Green Fleets Across America 2012

From operating alternative-fueled vehicles to installing pollution-control equipment on buses to reducing idling, pupil transportation operations are doing their part to provide a healthy and safe ride to and from school for students. Here, we provide details on these and other environmentally friendly practices at school districts and contractors throughout the country.

Blue Bird honored for propane school buses

The manufacturer receives the Extra Mile Award from the Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition for bringing buses powered by the fuel to the school transportation market. Officials say the award recognizes organizations that improve the state’s air quality while advancing economic, environmental and energy security.

Snapshots — Winter, Spring, Summer 2012

Propane vehicle parade to feature Blue Bird Type C bus

The school bus manufacturer’s Next Generation 2012 propane-powered unit will be among the vehicles featured during the Propane Clean Air Rally and Autogas Parade, which will be held in Atlanta on Saturday. A press conference and a ride-and-drive event will follow the rally and parade.

Blue Bird honors 35-year school bus driver

Earl Rineer, 89, receives a plaque at the manufacturer's headquarters for his dedication to public service and transporting students. Rineer works as a bus driver and trainer for Sague Bus Service in Pennsylvania, and he says he’ll continue working as long as he passes the medical requirements.