Local Propane School Buses Put to Use for Wisconsin Aviation Event

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Propane autogas school buses are on the ground at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EAA) AirVenture to transport thousands of visitors for the weeklong aviation celebration in Oshkosh, Wis.

The alternative fuel buses, contracted from Kobussen Buses Ltd., service Oshkosh Area School District during the school year. Equipped with Ford Motor Co.’s 6.8L V10 engine, each Blue Bird Vision Propane school bus is powered by a ROUSH CleanTech fuel system.

“It was a natural fit to help out AirVenture’s transportation efforts by using local school buses during the summer down time,” says Dan Kobussen, vice president of Kobussen Buses. “These innovative propane buses reduce emissions and run on a domestically produced fuel.”

The buses, which run regular daily routes during the school year, reduce nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel, says ROUSH CleanTech. Nearly 25% of Kobussen Buses’ fleet is propane autogas.

“Our district partners with EAA to provide students insight into the history and understanding of aeronautics,” says Susan Schnorr, executive director of business services for Oshkosh Area School District. “We are happy to share our technologically advanced propane buses for their annual event to show attendees that this technology is working for districts every day.”

In addition, ROUSH CleanTech’s sister company, ROUSH Performance, is participating in the event by displaying and auctioning off a tribute vehicle commemorating the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Inspired by the “Old Crow” P-51 Mustang fighter planes flown by Colonel Bud Anderson during World War II, the Mustang GT includes a Roush / Ford Performance supercharger that pushes the output above 700 horsepower, rather than the stock 460 horsepower. Proceeds from the auction will be donated to EAA’s Aviation Foundation, which encourages and educates the next generation of pilots.

“ROUSH’s engineering partnership with Ford runs deep, with its engines powering our propane buses and ROUSH Mustangs,” comments Ryan Zic, vice president of school bus sales for ROUSH CleanTech. “In addition, Roush is FAA-certified to machine components and service vintage aircraft engines. So, we have multiple tie-ins to this event.”

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Dave
Dave
4 years ago

Will propane gas work for Party bus in passaic, nj ? I hope it would save the environment!