Liquid Propane School Buses Coming from Roush

American builder Roush announced yesterday it will partner with Micro Bird and expand its offering of liquid propane powered vehicles to cover school buses as well. For the task, 30-passenger Micro Bird buses will be fitted with the system which will allow them to run on liquid propane.

“Propane is a perfect alternative fuel option for school districts that must reduce their operational costs as well as lower their emissions,” Jack Roush chairman of Roush Enterprises said in a statement.

“Historically, propane trends 30 to 40 percent less than diesel which helps the school districts to stretch their fuel budget considerably further, and there is no question that the emissions are much cleaner.”

The Micro Bird buses are built on Ford E-450 chassis, powered by a Ford 6.8l engine. Equipped with Roush's liquid propane system, they provide 24 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions and up to 60 percent less carbon monoxide.

“We are excited to partner with an industry leader like Micro Bird,” Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for Roush added. “We have spent four years perfecting this liquid propane injection technology and this partnership will show that propane is the best alternative fuel for school districts and shuttle operators across North America.”

Sales of the liquid propane powered school buses will begin, according to Roush, later this year. The engine, together with the system, can be serviced through the Ford or Blue Bird Dealer network.

Roush is one of the main advocates of the use of liquid propane, having already fitted several vehicles with the system.