Oak Creek Schools Gain Cleaner Air and Lower Fuel Costs with Propane Autogas School Buses
Oak Creek, Wisconsin (PRWEB) October 23, 2013 -- GO Riteway marked the purchase of 10 new Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school buses and 10 Micro Bird buses for Oak Creek-Franklin Joint School District at an open house today. GO Riteway, which transports 5,500 Oak Creek students each day, now offers an environmentally friendly bus ride that lowers fuel costs for the community.
“Congratulations to the citizens of Oak Creek, who will benefit from cleaner air and lower fuel costs with this safe and reliable alternative fuel in their school buses,” said Ron Bast, president of GO Riteway, during the event at their Oak Creek facility. “Over their lifetime, these school buses will release 1.6 million fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions in your community.”
The open house attracted many local officials, including Dr. Sara Burmeister, Oak Creek’s school superintendent, and Steven Kurkowski, alderman for Oak Creek. A fueling demonstration allowed participants to learn firsthand the ease and quick speed of refueling a school bus with propane autogas. GO Riteway has won many awards for its clean fleet initiatives, including the American Bus Association’s Green Operator Award; the National School Transportation Association’s Go Yellow, Go Green award; and Green Fleet’s Sustainability All-Star award.
“School districts around the nation are eager for cleaner, lower emissions solutions that also work with their budgets. The Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision and Micro Bird meet these needs, with lower fuel and maintenance costs, decreased noise, and environmental benefits,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Blue Bird’s propane-powered buses are a smart choice for any contractor or school district.”
The 78-passenger Blue Bird Propane-Powered Visions and 30-passenger Micro Bird buses meet all applicable School Bus Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards, and Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board certifications, and uses the latest advancements in alternative fuel technology, including the ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel system and the Ford 6.8-liter engine.
The buses, which are fully customizable, emit 60 percent less carbon monoxide and up to 25 percent less greenhouse gases when compared to gasoline. More than 90 percent of U.S. propane supply is produced domestically. Propane autogas costs about 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline and 50 percent less than diesel, and installing a propane autogas refueling station costs less than any other transportation fuel.
GO Riteway has operated propane autogas vehicles in their airport shuttle fleet since 2011.
About GO Riteway:
GO Riteway Transportation Group’s origin as a premier ground transportation company began over 55 years ago when the Bast family founded Riteway Bus Service, Inc. Now, into the third generation of family leadership, GO Riteway continues to expand and provides dependable and safe transportation for business travelers, tourists, students and local residents. GO Riteway operates out of 13 locations in Wisconsin with a fleet that includes school buses, motor coaches, shuttle coaches, limo coaches, limousines, executive sedans and vans. GO Riteway is the official transportation provider of the Milwaukee Bucks, and is known for its “green” initiatives, receiving 12 environmental awards and certifications since 2009. For more information, visit GO Riteway’s website at http://www.goriteway.com.
About Blue Bird:
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For more than 85 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services. Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,500 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities, an extensive network of dealers, parts and service facilities throughout North America. Its global presence can be seen in more than 60 countries through sales into Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit the Blue Bird Corporation web site at http://www.blue-bird.com.
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Erin Lake, Blue Bird Corporation, http://www.blue-bird.com, (478) 822-2578, [email protected]
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