Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Those attending this year’s STN Expo July 23-27 in Reno, Nev. had their first opportunity to view and drive Blue Bird Corp.’s (Fort Valley, Ga.) new Vision Gen 4 propane bus and the company’s new Vision CNG bus. “At Blue Bird we have an unwavering commitment to be the best in passenger safety and total cost of ownership, as well as robust service and support,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Bluebird. “We and our partners continue to innovate and develop affordable, industry-leading products that our school bus customers want and value. The Blue Bird Vision Gen 4 propane and Vision CNG buses are excellent examples of our spirit of innovation.”
Blue Bird’s newest offering to school bus fleets is the Vision Gen 4 propane bus. It features a Ford/Roush CleanTech powertrain, a modern, proven engine and transmission with a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty. The new Type C Vision Gen 4 exceeds stringent emissions standards and it has better fuel economy than other propane-fueled buses due to its EconoShift optimization. The Blue Bird Vision also ranks No. 1 in safety in independent research and has a low cost of ownership. “Blue Bird has the lowest cost of ownership [and] out-of-commission time, and the longest in-service life expectancy by 41% over the other brands,” said Sam Bailey, transportation director of Biloxi Public Schools.
The Vision Gen 4 continues to advance the propane technology found in Blue Bird’s previous Vision propane buses and incorporates several enhancements, among them easier serviceability thanks to repositioned sending units and pre-injector filters, along with O-ring-sealed fuel lines and a new optional Euro-style fill connector. Increased reliability is ensured with infinitely variable-speed dual fuel pumps and thinner fuel rails that reduce start time up to 50%.
With its powertrain delivered by Ford and Roush CleanTech, the Blue Bird Vision CNG is supported by a team of field service engineers focused exclusively on school bus operations. The Type C bus reduces fuel and maintenance costs while meeting stringent emissions standards.
Blue Bird’s newest offering to school bus fleets is the Vision Gen 4 propane bus. It features a Ford/Roush CleanTech powertrain, a modern, proven engine and transmission with a five-year, unlimited-mile warranty. The new Type C Vision Gen 4 exceeds stringent emissions standards and it has better fuel economy than other propane-fueled buses due to its EconoShift optimization. The Blue Bird Vision also ranks No. 1 in safety in independent research and has a low cost of ownership. “Blue Bird has the lowest cost of ownership [and] out-of-commission time, and the longest in-service life expectancy by 41% over the other brands,” said Sam Bailey, transportation director of Biloxi Public Schools.
The Vision Gen 4 continues to advance the propane technology found in Blue Bird’s previous Vision propane buses and incorporates several enhancements, among them easier serviceability thanks to repositioned sending units and pre-injector filters, along with O-ring-sealed fuel lines and a new optional Euro-style fill connector. Increased reliability is ensured with infinitely variable-speed dual fuel pumps and thinner fuel rails that reduce start time up to 50%.
With its powertrain delivered by Ford and Roush CleanTech, the Blue Bird Vision CNG is supported by a team of field service engineers focused exclusively on school bus operations. The Type C bus reduces fuel and maintenance costs while meeting stringent emissions standards.
