This month, student transportation provider First Student is taking delivery of 86 Blue Bird Vision school buses outfitted with ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems. These units will be deployed in the public school system in Portland, Ore.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certified vehicles feature Ford's 6.8-liter V-10 engine, which has an output of 362 hp/457 lb.-ft. ROUSH CleanTech’s liquid propane autogas system yields better fuel economy, lower emissions and reduced maintenance costs compared to diesel-powered vehicles.

"In their first year of operation, these propane autogas school buses are expected to save $500,000 to $700,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over their diesel counterparts," says Mark Elias, area general manager for First Student.

"Using propane-powered buses keeps our fuel costs down and reduces our overall emissions. It really is a no brainer," adds Portland Public Schools' Matt Shelby.

ROUSH CleanTech offers autogas fuel systems for light- and medium-duty Ford vans and trucks, as well as for the Blue Bird Vision and Micro Bird G5 school buses.