Missouri’s Rockwood School District expects lower emissions, greater
cost savings
EUREKA, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
For the first time in 42 years, buses displaying the Rockwood School
District name are transporting students — while helping to save money
and improve air quality. The district expects the shift to save $500,000
in the first year alone.
This summer, the 22,000-student school district purchased 164 buses from
Blue Bird dealer Central States Bus Sales, after choosing to end a
contract with a transportation company.
“We thought we could do it cheaper by bringing our fleet in-house, when
faced with a 15 percent increase in proposed contractor rates for our
school transportation requirements,” said William Sloan, director of
purchasing and transportation director at Rockwood School District. “We
have more control over the operations, procedures and policies, plus
there’s improved accountability as the transportation staff are now part
of our team.”
While saving the district money in operational costs, the Blue
Bird Vision and Blue
Bird All American FE clean diesel buses also run on an ultra-low
sulfur fuel and are certified to meet and exceed current EPA emissions
standards.
“For 90 years, Blue Bird has been committed to bringing the latest bus
innovations to schools,” said Phil Horlock, president and CEO of Blue
Bird. “Our customers want to lower operational costs and address
environmental concerns. We are here to help.”
The district chose the new clean diesel buses after reviewing all the
alternative fuel options. “It was obvious diesel powered buses have
become cleaner and get better mileage than previous diesel buses,” Sloan
said. “The buses are quiet and burn very clean with very little if any
exhaust smoke.” Based on preliminary information provided by Rockwood
School District from the first few weeks of operation, the Blue Bird All
American FE - Diesel buses’ average close to 10 miles per gallon,
compared with 7.5 MPG with the older fleet.
“Our drivers are very happy with the choice of the bus supplier,” Sloan
said. “The quality of the Blue Bird buses is second to none.”
Rockwood School District is counting on intangible benefits, as well.
“The buses will be easily recognizable, as the district name is
displayed on the side of the bus,” Sloan said. “We believe this will
create a sense of community and pride, especially when our high school
teams compete at other district venues.”
About Blue Bird Corporation
Blue Bird (Nasdaq: BLBD) is the leading independent designer and
manufacturer of school buses, with more than 550,000 buses sold since
its formation in 1927 and approximately 180,000 buses in operation
today. Blue Bird’s longevity and reputation in the school bus industry
have made it an iconic American brand. Blue Bird distinguishes itself
from its principal competitors by its singular focus on the design,
engineering, manufacture and sale of school buses and related parts. As
the only manufacturer of chassis and body production specifically
designed for school bus applications, Blue Bird is recognized as an
industry leader for school bus innovation, safety, product
quality/reliability/durability, operating costs and drivability. In
addition, Blue Bird is the market leader in alternative fuel
applications with its propane-powered and compressed natural gas-powered
school buses. Blue Bird manufactures school buses at two facilities in
Fort Valley, Georgia. Its Micro Bird joint venture operates a
manufacturing facility in Drummondville, Quebec, Canada. Service and
after-market parts are distributed from Blue Bird’s parts distribution
center located in Delaware, Ohio. For more information on Blue Bird’s
complete line of buses, visit www.blue-bird.com.
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TSN Communications
Melanie Pikosky, 312-217-6355
[email protected]
Source: Blue Bird Corporation