Report: Blue Bird propane bus performs well in cold temps

Officials from school districts and bus companies on the East Coast and in the Midwest report easy starting, quick warm-up and quiet operation of the propane Vision school buses in their fleets during the recent cold snap. Blue Bird says propane autogas’ natural properties keep the fuel in a constant liquid form, free from freezing or gelling, and the liquid form provides better control of the air-to-fuel ratio, resulting in excellent start-up dependability.

Frigid temperatures cancel bus routes, delay school

From coast to coast in the U.S. and in some Canadian provinces, this week’s cold snap has impacted pupil transportation operations. Issues such as thickened fuel and oil and frozen air lines cause districts to cancel bus service and close schools or delay school start times.

Webasto: Test results show benefits of pre-heated engines

An independent emissions testing lab recently tested the effects of a Webasto coolant heater on the emissions performance of a diesel engine. Emissions data show that the start-up temperature has a significant effect on the engine emissions and overall performance of diesel particulate filters.

Webasto unveils new timer for engine pre-heaters

Company officials say that the SmarTemp Control fx Timer, which was on display at the National Association for Pupil Transportation trade show, is easy to program for repeat heating duration times. It allows up to four different timer settings per day.

Hydrotex issues tips to prevent fuel problems in winter

The company, which manufactures and distributes high-performance lubricant and fuel improver solutions, says that annual fuel tank inspections can help in diagnosing any potential problems, such as water contamination, biological growth and sediment that might be present in the tanks. Hydrotex also says that treating fuel with a winterizing additive can minimize problems.

Weather: Sun, Snow and Rainbows

Police: Snowballs lead to two-bus crash

Students in Sioux City, Iowa, pelt a school bus with snowballs as it leaves a high school, according to police. The school bus stops suddenly, and a transit bus is unable to stop in time and rear-ends the school bus.

Thomas Built launches corrosion protection treatments

The school bus OEM’s new FleetShield, for the Saf-T-Liner C2, includes three different treatments to shield specific vehicle parts that are particularly susceptible to corrosion and weather damage.

District preps for winter with safety competition

Bus drivers at Washoe County School District in Reno, Nev., compete in the “Chain Championship” to be the best and fastest at getting chains on their buses’ tires. The competition is part of the transportation department’s priority to transport students to and from school during the winter months without incident.

District issues tips for winter transportation safety

School district officials in Vernon, N.J., give guidance to the community to ensure that students stay safe while traveling to and from school in winter conditions. In addition to bus safety procedures for snowy weather, the guidance includes encouraging student drivers to take the bus home on days when there is an early dismissal.