Above and top right: Collins Bus offers both hybrid and propane options with its NexBus line.
preference goes. Micro Bird utilizes the F-450 chassis and 6.0L engine combined with a liquid propane autogas fuel system developed by ROUSH CleanTech, which went into production last January after passing chassis crash tests. Meanwhile, Tomas announced in November it was preparing to come to market with its own propane-powered Type A, the Minotour on a similar GM 6.0L G3500/4500 chassis with a liquid propane system. Tier-One supplier Knapheide is completing the fuel delivery
and fuel storage installation and CleanFUEL USA and Bi-Phase Technologies are supplying the under-hood LPG fuel system, all under a full GM warranty. Tomas had delivered two prototype bodies to GM, which still had to crash test the LPG chassis. Once that is accomplished, production could begin by this summer, if not sooner, according to Jed Routh, Tomas’ product planning manager. “[Body construction] is pretty seamless for us,” Routh said.
“Now, with this offering, we have an alternative-fuel option in every product category. We’re proud of that. Tat’s something we worked hard to do. We think the market wants it.” Te GM LPG chassis has also been opened up to all Type A
manufacturers that produce school bus bodies on the GM cutaway-van chassis.
It’s essentially the same system upon which Collins Bus has been building its propane NexBus since
Trans Tech Bus President Dan Daniels discusses the new eTrans at NAPT with STN Publisher Tony Corpin.
2009. Steve Girardin, president and CEO of Mirco Bird, Inc. in Drummondville, Quebec, said that chassis is now available for ordering with the Micro Bird body to meet customer demand for affordable alt-fuel options. Meanwhile, the Ford-Micro Bird-ROUSH partnership remains
exclusive, at least for now. What is definite is that manufacturers have repeatedly discussed bringing viable, alternative-fuel options to the marketplace. “Te mindset with Blue Bird is making sure that the
technologies we present to the market are affordable and justifiable in operation,” added Girardin. “Propane is proving itself as an affordable and justifiable fuel in the market, and there’s a reason for that. It’s the third-most used fuel in the world behind gasoline and diesel.” He said CNG is trailing because it’s a harder and more
expensive infrastructure to install. While a derivative of natural gas, propane is taking the lead because of infrastructure, Girardin opined. Many propane autogas distributors will even install fueling tanks free of charge for school districts that enter long- term fueling contracts. Te propane autogas market is also a competitive one, giving fleets large and small added leverage. Still, with up to $30,000 in federal tax rebates for CNG
34 School Transportation News Magazine January 2012
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