❝
We choose propane autogas because not
only does it represent significant reduced fuel costs and clean-burning properties, but also because the source, natural gas, is in abundant
supply right here in America. ❞ —William Schofield, Hall County (Ga.) Schools
of a school bus fleet to hydraulic hybrid power trains designed to recover lost braking energy. “We expect our research will lead to
cleaner, more efficient school buses that will help school districts like (Atlanta Pub- lic Schools) significantly reduce fuel costs and greenhouse gas emissions,” Leamy said. Te technology is considered ideal for
stop-and-go urban routes. Last year, Kris Hus, product manager at Freightliner Cus- tom Chassis Corporation told STN the engine-off feature of hydraulic hybrids could improve fuel economy by 15 to 30 percent. Te company is one of several developing this technology for the heavy- duty truck segment, and it is expected to trickle down to school buses.
POSITIVE ROLE MODELS John Tomas, transportation coordi-
nator at Eastern Carver County Schools in Minnesota, said his district switched to propane power for its school bus fleet because of a desire to “go green” and high diesel fuel prices. Now the district report it saved more
than $67,000 in the 2011–2012 school year alone by using propane autogas. Te first 18 propane buses purchased in 2010 were 77-passenger Blue Bird Visions, and another 13 will be delivered by fall. In 2010, Eastern Carver negotiated the move with Student Transportation
of
America (STA), which owns Positive Con- nections in nearby Chaska, Minn. Eastern Carver operates 102 buses that transport 8,000 students daily. Per the contract, Tomas said STA buys
the fuel, but the school district shares 50 percent of any cost that exceeds $1.40 per gallon for diesel and $0.82 per gallon for propane. Te average cost of propane was $1.71 per gallon compared to $3.78 per gallon for diesel. “Te school district’s share is about $25,000,” he continued., adding that buses have had no issues even when tempera- tures this past winter fell to -20 degrees. In the final replacement cycle, the dis-
See Us At Booth # 250 48 School Transportation News Magazine July 2012
trict will acquire 15 to 20 more propane Type Cs, and it is also looking into propane for its 25 Type A small school buses. Te initiative supports renewable community projects, such as windmills owned by the City of Chaska, Minn., and erected at local
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