When researching electric school bus options, the possibilities are endless. Many new school buses are now available from
new entrants to the market as well OEMs that have served the industry for the past century. View the 2024 Buyer’s Guide for a list of all OEMs and bus types.
Time to Update
AMF Bruns new Protektor Series Retractors
Protektor Series Retractors provides a long awaited update to our industry which has not seen significant change in decades. Red Dot Winner (Design Award) Protektor Series Wheelchair Securement Retractors offer:
• Cutting-edge design • Automatic and self-tensioning • Durable tensioning handle • Durable cover • Available with different hook attachments or vehicle floor attachments
quieter bus ride with less sensory overload, and buses that warm up faster than our diesel buses in the winter months,” he explained, adding that there have been no challenges with the buses that have impacted special needs students. As for parent feedback, he said an initial complaint was that they were missing the propane school buses that pulled up to stops because of how much quieter they are compared to diesel buses. “They had been relying on the noise of the bus to alert them of the buses presence in front of their houses,” he said. “We simply apologized and shared the potential positive benefits of quieter school buses for their students with them.” He noted that Hannibal purchases propane from Big
River Oil, which won a bid for two years. He said Big River Oil was also willing to partner with the district to supply propane dispensers, pumps and tanks free of charge to help reduce the initial conversion costs. Entering 2024, Blue Bird is the only OEM offering
propane school buses through its partnership with Roush CleanTech, that is until the new Cummins en- gine is available. Albert Burleigh, the vice president of alternative fuels for Blue Bird, shared confidence that Blue Bird can meet the increased demand. He noted that there are several benefits of propane-powered school buses, which are particularly beneficial when transporting students with special needs. “A quieter cabin allows students to speak at more
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22 School Transportation News • JANUARY 2024
normal levels instead of screaming over the noise of a diesel-engine,” he shared. “Propane customers have reported that this has led to a calmer environ- ment and better behavior by students on the bus. Also, propane-powered buses are 90 percent cleaner than current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency requirements providing health benefits for the stu- dents on the bus and for the communities where they operate.” ●
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