Propane School Bus Fleet Launched in Gloucester County, Virginia
Some lucky students in Virginia are now enjoying a cleaner ride to school. Gloucester County Public Schools recently launched the state’s first propane school bus fleet.
“Using propane-powered school buses is a step in the right direction to significantly decrease vehicle emissions and improve the air quality for our students,” says Roger Kelly, director of transportation for Gloucester County Public Schools. “We are excited to be involved in this clean school bus initiative.”
And cleaner air isn’t the only benefit the five propane buses offer. Gloucester County Public Schools estimates they will save about $1.50 per gallon in fuel costs and more in maintenance costs due to the cleaner engine and prolonged oil change intervals.
“We are pleased and impressed with the forward thinking and actions of the Gloucester County School Board and administration,” says Chelsea Jenkins, director of Virginia Clean Cities. “The propane school buses are providing opportunities for students and the community to observe and learn first-hand about alternative transpor-tation technologies.”
Virginia Clean Cities worked with Gloucester County Public Schools to develop the project, and was contracted by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Air Management Association to assist with project management.
A $221,355 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant from the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Clean Diesel Program funded half of the project and Gloucester County Public Schools funded the remaining amount.
From U.S. Dept. of Energy, Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy magazine "Clean Cities Now", Vol. 14, No. 1, March 2010, pg. 10.
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