The latest in school bus emissions and safety technology showcased,
funding opportunities discussed
SELMA, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Iconic Blue Bird school buses converged at the Retama Race Track for the
“Blue Bird Experience.” Selma-based Blue Bird dealership, Rush Bus
Centers, hosted the event, which showcased Blue Bird’s industry-leading
range of school buses to local district transportation directors and
decision makers. Attendees had the opportunity to ride and drive all the
Blue Bird buses at the event, and experience the latest in school bus
technology.
“The event was a huge success providing school district officials the
opportunity to understand the latest in Blue Bird emissions and safety
technology,” said Mark Terry, chief commercial officer of Blue Bird
Corporation. “It also gave attendees the chance to speak with local
elected officials and representatives from the Texas Commission on
Environmental Quality about what is important to their transportation
departments, especially those still running older diesel buses that need
replacement.”
Vision Type C and All-American Type D school buses, as well as Micro
Bird Type A buses were on display, showcasing Blue Bird’s range of
engine offerings, with buses fueled by either diesel, gasoline or
propane. These school buses are cleaner operating and qualify for
several significant grant funding opportunities. For instance, the
emissions-reducing Blue Bird Vision Propane would qualify for funding
from the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust currently under
review in Texas. This propane-fueled bus operates on an engine that is
75 percent cleaner than current emissions standards and 99 percent
cleaner than pre-2007 standards.
“I can’t conceive of a more appropriate or cost-effective use of Texas’
share of the Volkswagen settlement money than to utilize it to help
reduce emissions from the school buses that transport our Texas school
children,” said State Representative Diana Arévalo. “I urge the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality and Governor Abbott to support
Texas’ continued transition to a better air quality future by using
these funds to help replace older, dirty school buses with new clean
buses that will help minimize exposure of children to potentially
harmful yet easily avoidable toxins.”
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is in developing the
state’s plans for utilizing Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust
funding. TCEQ is accepting comments to decide how to distribute more
than $207 million in the fund to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
The Blue Bird Vision, All American and Micro Bird G5 also come in
electric models.
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, electric 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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Blue Bird Corporation
Justyne Lobello, 478-396-3487
[email protected]
Source: Blue Bird Corporation