CINCINNATI – New propane-powered buses will be transporting students in the Council Rock School District in Newtown, Pa., beginning with the 2015-16 school year. The district recently approved a new contract with First Student to provide transportation services for the next seven years. As part of the agreement, the company will replace the current fleet with 150 propane-powered buses.
Propane buses average up to 50 percent fewer emissions than gasoline and diesel per gallon. Clean-burning engines and parts result in lower fuel and maintenance costs while providing a quieter ride for students. The buses are expected to save the Council Rock School District up to $2.5 million in fuel costs over seven years.
“Not only will these propane buses provide significant savings each year for the district, the Newtown community will benefit from cleaner, healthier air,” said First Student Area General Manager Greg Gallagher. “We value our partnership with the Council Rock School District, and believe this tailored transportation solution will only strengthen the district’s commitment to reducing its environment impact.” The U.S. Department of Education named Council Rock School District a Green Ribbon School in 2014 for its environmental programs and efforts.
First Student has served Council Rock School District since 2003 and provides school bus service to more than 14,000 students in the Newtown community.