Canadian School Division Switches Entire School Bus Fleet to Propane

REGINA, Saskatchewan (Aug. 10, 2016) — École St. Mary, Regina Catholic School Division (RCSD), which serves about 12,000 students in 30 Canadian schools, unveiled its has upgraded its entire school bus fleet to Blue Bird Vision Propane buses, in partnership with LP3 Transportation Solutions. The Catholic School Division’s fleet will become the largest fleet of propane buses in Saskatchewan. Propane is an economical alternative fuel that will allow the school district to save money in maintenance and fuel costs, and to reduce its carbon footprint.

“Our new fleet of school buses fueled by propane means cleaner air around our students and drivers, and within our community,” said Domenic Scuglia, director of education for RCSD. “At Regina Catholic Schools, we always consider our students’ needs first when we make any decision inside and outside of the classroom.”

RCSD partnered with LP3 Transportation Solutions to add 89 Blue Bird Vision Propane buses from Legacy Bus Sales in Saskatoon to help reduce the emissions produced by each school bus. These Blue Bird buses make up 100 percent of its Type C fleet.

“Regina Catholic School Division was the top priority when we started to look at school divisions that we wanted to work with because of our shared mission and values,” said David White, vice president of operations for LP3 Transportation Solutions. “Our event today, called ‘Meaningful Difference with Alternative Fuels’ exemplifies that partnership.”

Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engine, each Blue Bird bus is powered by a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. The Blue Bird Vision Propane buses emit 80 percent fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel.

Along with environmental benefits, the new Blue Bird buses were chosen for their ability to start in cold weather, retain heat in the cabin more effectively, and operate more quietly. Buses fueled by propane reduce engine noise levels by 11 decibels, or about 50 percent, compared with diesel-fueled buses.

“Blue Bird congratulates Regina Catholic Schools for their leadership in alternative-fuel use in Saskatchewan,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird, noting that Blue Bird is the leading manufacturer of alternative-fuel powered school buses. “Our Blue Bird Vision Propane bus emits virtually zero emissions, exceeding stringent emissions standards. Our unique “EconoShift” optimization feature ensures we lead the industry in fuel economy in large propane-powered school buses, and with simpler maintenance and service requirements, Blue Bird’s propane bus is the best cost-of-ownership choice for many school districts.”

Across North America, hundreds of thousands of students are transported daily to school in buses operating on propane. It is the most commonly used alternative fuel in the world. Vehicles fueled by propane comply with the same safety standards as their conventionally fueled counterparts.

“Propane-fueled school buses reduce harmful emissions, are easier to service, and cost less than diesel to fuel and maintain,” said Brian Carney, executive director of school bus sales and customer support for ROUSH CleanTech. “Regina Catholic Schools joins more than 600 school districts throughout North America that run clean-operating propane buses.”

According to the Canadian Propane Association, propane costs about 37 percent less than gasoline per gallon, and propane infrastructure cost is significantly less than natural gas. RCSD fuels its propane buses at an onsite station, and has plans to set up additional propane fuel stations in remote locations in the near future.

About Regina Catholic Schools Division: Rich in tradition, culture, and history, the Regina Catholic School Division’s humble beginnings date back to 1899. Today, the Regina Catholic School Division is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. We offer our students a wide range of academic, practical and applied arts programs, student support services, and extracurricular activities. What really sets our schools apart is our faith. The Regina Catholic School Division provides a quality Catholic education that is faith-based, student-centered and results-oriented. The Division currently serves about 12,000 students in 30 schools. It has 24 elementary schools, which include four French Immersion schools and one Special Education school for medically fragile students. The Division operates four high schools, which include two French Immersion high schools, and one trades-focused school. There is also one Kindergarten to Grade 12 alternative school, the only one of its kind in Regina, plus an Online Learning program and homeschooling options. The Mission of the Regina Catholic School Division is to work with the community and the local church to provide a quality Catholic education that fosters academic excellence and the development of informed, responsible citizens.

About Blue Bird Corporation: Blue Bird is a leading independent designer and manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design, engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution center located in Delaware, Ohio.

About LP3: As part of the Legacy Group of Companies, and a sister company to Legacy Bus Sales of Saskatchewan, LP3 is a new company in the student transportation services industry, founded by leadership with extensive experience in efficient equipment operations, business development and personnel management — as well as direct experience in the sector, and with a proven track record of effective, innovative and efficient service performance. LP3 believes that, as an extension of the school, the school bus driver is the first and last point of connection for students on any given day. Therefore, the driver has a unique opportunity to impact the lives of students. The nature of that impact will depend on the character of the company that the driver works for and the nature of the mission, vision and values that exist within the company, to which all are held accountable. One mission, where all are 100% accountable to and for each other.

About ROUSH CleanTech: ROUSH CleanTech, is a leader in alternative fuel vehicle technology, and division of ROUSH Enterprises based in Livonia, Michigan. ROUSH CleanTech designs, engineers, manufactures and installs propane autogas fuel system technology for light- and medium-duty Ford commercial vehicles, and Type A and Type C Blue Bird school buses, and compressed natural gas fuel systems for Type C Blue Bird school buses. As a Ford QVM-certified alternative fuel vehicle manufacturer, ROUSH CleanTech delivers economical, clean and domestically produced fueling options for fleets across North America.