MAILBAG
IT’S A GAS Te Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) was pleased to see
buses fueled by propane autogas included as an alternative fuel option for the school transportation industry in the August article, “Manufacturers Gear Up For First-Ever CAFE Standards for School Buses” (page 26). Buses fueled by propane autogas are a realistic solution for school districts con- sidering alternative fuels. Tey produce fewer annual life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, per bus, per year, than school buses fueled by compressed natural gas or gasoline. Tey also are safe for student transportation and cost-effective for school districts. Buses fueled by propane autogas emit up to 25 percent fewer emissions
than gasoline- and diesel-fueled buses, and they produce fewer smog-pro- ducing hydrocarbons than diesel-fueled buses, thereby reducing short- and long-term health effects in passengers. Tese vehicles are also safer for pas- sengers, as fuel tanks are 20 percent more puncture-resistant. Tese buses also are cost-effective for school districts. Te federal gov-
ernment, along with many states, offer programs to encourage the use of propane autogas as an engine fuel that reduces infrastructure and fuel costs. For over 30 years, the cost of propane has been, on average, 30 percent less than the cost of gasoline, and projected to cost between 30 and 60 cents less per gallon for the next 25 years. Te cleaner-burning fuel extends engine life and also reduces maintenance costs that result from routine upkeep like oil changes. PERC has funded the research and development of propane autogas en-
gine technology for Type A and Type C buses to Blue Bird Corp., Collins Bus Corp., and Tomas Built Buses. PERC will continue to support manufactur- ers to provide cost-effective, sustainable solutions that meet and exceed standards set through government regulations both now and in the future.
Steve Wayne, Chief Commercialization Officer Propane Education & Research Council
www.autogasusa.org
RESOURCEFULNESS I just wanted to send out a quick thank you letter in regards to your
school transportation page (
www.stnonline.com/go/855). I’m a librarian and used some of your resources for the safety section of our new site. Tey were most useful, I appreciate it. I planned on having the students who helped me compile the safety list
mail out a handwritten thank you note, but we’ve been so busy that I haven’t had a chance. So I’m writing on their behalf as well. As a small token of our appreciation, I wanted to share another resource that might be perfect for your page. Tis page has been very popular with the kids/teachers at our library: “Auto Advice for Schools: School Bus Safety.” (Editor’s note — Visit
www.stnonline.com/go/846 for more information.) I hope you like the link, and thanks again for the help.
Anne Griffin, District Library
www.districtlibrary.org
5334 Torrance Blvd., 3rd Floor, Torrance, CA 90503 Tel: 310/792-2226 Fax: 310-792-2231
www.stnonline.com
Publisher: Tony Corpin Editor: Ryan Gray
Associate Editor: Sylvia Arroyo Technical Editor: Robert Pudlewski Senior Designer: Kimber Horne Graphic Designer: Maria Molina Copy Editor: Michelle Fisher
Contributing Editors:
Linda Bluth, Peggy Burns, Michelle Fisher, John Whelan, Dick Fischer, Denny Coughlin, Ned Einstein, Glen Moyer, Art Gissendaner, Anson Stewart, Shanna Thompson Zareski
Vice President: Colette Paul General Manager: Branden Smeltzer Editorial Director: Ryan Gray Director of Marketing: Chris Berry Ad Sales: Tony Corpin Circulation: Andrea Hernandez Event Manager: Janna Smeltzer Chairman of the Board: Bill Paul, STN Media Group
Editorial Advisory Board:
Denny Coughlin, Consultant; Judith Dupille, Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles; Dick Fischer, Trans-Consult; Ron Love, Delaware DOE; Randy McLerran, National Bus Sales; Pete Meslin, Newport-Mesa Unified; Nancy Netherland, Migrant-Seasonal Head Start; Robert Pudlewski, Consultant; Alexandra Robinson, NAPT; Launi Schmutz, Washington County Schools
How to Write or E-mail STN
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10 School Transportation News Magazine November 2011
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