Western Bus Sales and Blue Bird are proud to announce the introduction of the Blue Bird Propane Powered Vision school bus, which expands our alternative fuel offerings and provides our customers with solutions to meet their school transportation needs.

The Propane Powered Vision school bus is a conventional Type C school bus that runs on propane instead of diesel fuel. Unlike "retrofit" systems of the past, this is a fully integrated and purpose-built Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) bus, engineered to the same exacting standards as other Blue Bird buses. Manufactured in Fort Valley, Georgia, the bus is delivered directly to the dealership with no additional aftermarket components needed.

The bus is powered by a GM Vortec 8.1L engine designed and engineered to operate on propane by Powertrain Integration using CleanFUEL USA's Liquid Propane Injection System (LPI). Manuy of the body and chassis features found on the diesel models are also available on the propane model.

The Blue Bird Propane Powered Vision meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (CARB) certification requirements for the 2010 production year. Designed and built for maximum quality and reliability, the Propane Powered Vision meets all applicable School Bus Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

With approximately 70,000 miles of interstate pipelines and more than 2,500 public and 10,000 private refueling locations throughout North America, the infrastructure is in place to provide a filling station for each Blue Bird Propane Powered Vision sold. Additionally, there are more than 5,000 propane marketers working to provide a seamless experience for the end customer.

Blue Bird's Propane Powered Vision is the best choice for your school district's entrance into the alternative fuel vehicle market. With the lowest cost of entry for alternative fuels, it is substantially lower in incremental price differential vs. hybrid and other emerging technologies. Because the Propane Powered Vision already meets the 2010 EPA diesel emission standards, it qualifies for grant applications that offer increased money or matching funds for vehicles that meet the 2010 standards.

With new technology, the LPI fuel system by CleanFUEL USA is completely different than poorer-performing propane fuel systems of decades past. This is certainly not your father's propane school bus!

In addition to providing low emissions, the Propane Powered Vision offers reduced maintenance costs and immediate fuel cost savings based on current propane vs. diesel fuel prices.

Purchasing Propane Powered Vision school buses currently offers access to both Federal tax credits and State Business Energy Tax Credits (BETC) that can be passed through to businesses with tax liability. In addition, there is currently a $.50/gallon Federal tax credit/refund for propane fuel dispensing.

Now is the perfect time to see out alternatives to inflating diesel engine prices and complex technology ... learn more about the Propane Powered Vision school bus today!

HELPFUL WEB LINKS & DOCUMENTS FOR THE PROPANE POWERED VISION:

• WBS Propane-Powered Vision Information Packet (pdf) 3-11-10
• Blue Bird's Propane Vision
• CleanFUEL USA
• CleanFUEL USA's Fuel Savings Calculator
• Propane Education & Research Council (PERC)
• Ferrellgas Propane Provider - Oregon & Washington
• Oregon Business Energy Tax Credit (BETC)
• Alternative Fuels & Advances Vehicles Data Center
• EPA Clean School Bus USA
• US Department of Energy Clean Cities Program