First, someone will give an overview of air quality concerns and current statistics. Next, there will be a presentation of propane buses and how they fit with improving air quality and cutting costs. Next, administrators will talk about how their districts have incorporated language into their RFP and contracts to encourage more environmentally friendly buses for their students.

1. Asthma, pollution,
and anti-idling!
Mitchell Grayson, MD
Director
Fight Asthma Milwaukee (FAM) Allies

2. Asthma is a problem
 Every day in America:
 40,000 people miss school or work due
to asthma
 30,000 people have an asthma attack
 5,000 people visit the emergency room
due to asthma
 1,000 people are admitted to the
hospital due to asthma
 11 people die from asthma

3. What is Asthma?
• An immune response in the small airways
of the lungs, characterized by
– Inflammation and edema (swelling)
– Mucus production (snot)
– Bronchospasm (muscle tightness)
Drawings from M. Tsutsumi

4. Asthma triggers
• Asthma can be triggered by
many airborne factors:
– Pollen (trees, grasses, ragweed)
– Mold spores
– Air pollution
• Exhaust from vehicles
– School buses, trucks
– Small engines (eg, lawn mowers)
– Boats and cars
• Factory smoke / exhaust

5. Air Pollution
• Ozone (O3)
– An invisible gas formed through chemical reactions of
nitrous oxides and volatile organic compounds
– Able to chemically react with lung tissue leading to tissue
damage

6. M-1c

7. FEV1, % change
Ozone Reduces Lung Function
0
insensitive
-20
sensitive
-40
0
2
4
Time of O3 exposure (h)
M-10

8. Air Pollution
• Particle Pollution
– A mix of airborne solids and liquids
– Comes from burning fossil fuels in factories, power plants,
steel mills, smelters, diesel/gasoline, wood (even from
residential fireplaces).
– May trigger asthma possibly leading to hospitalization and
death

9. Particle pollution is
a complex mixture
derived from
many sources

10. Particle Size
• Size matters
– > 10 µm impact in the nose and mouth
– < 5 µm can impact in the lungs
nose and mouth
trachea (large airways)
bronchioles (small airways)
bronchioles and alveoli
3
From: Heyder J. Proc Am Thorac Soc. 2004;1:315.

11. Particle Deposition
• Larger particles (> PM10)
deposit in the upper
respiratory tract
• Inhalable particles (< PM10)
penetrate into lungs
• Some particles (e.g.,
less than 0.1 um) may
enter bloodstream
• Particles may react,
accumulate, be cleared
or absorbed

12. Why worry about emissions?

13. Traffic exposure reduces
lung function
Individuals living within 300 m of a roadway.
Brunekreef et al., 1997

14. Health Impact of Diesel Emissions
Data from 2010 Clean Air Task Force

15. Does exhaust really matter to
people with asthma?
A study examined the 1996 summer Olympic games in Atlanta
To reduce traffic for the games:
• Around-the-clock public transportation was provided
• 1,000 buses added to the existing fleet
• Downtown city streets were closed to private cars
• Downtown delivery schedules altered to ease morning rush hour
• Allowed flexible work schedules and telecommuting
These changes resulted in marked declines in ozone and other air
pollutants known to trigger asthma exacerbations.
Friedman MS, et al. JAMA. 2001;285:897-905

16. Results for people with asthma
• When compared to pre-Olympics data, the
frequency of asthma events (emergency room
and/or hospitalizations) decreased by
–
–
–
–
42% (Georgia Medicaid claims)
44% (Health Maintenance Organization data)
11% (data from two Pediatric Emergency Depts)
19% (data from the Georgia Hospital Discharge
Database)
• So, reducing pollutants and ozone reduced the
burden of asthma!
Friedman MS, et al. JAMA. 2001;285:897-905

17. Health Recommendations
• Check Air Quality Daily:
– 1-866-DAILY AIR
– (1-866-324-5924)
– www.epa.gov/airnow
– Orange level means air quality is
bad for sensitive groups including
older adults, all children, and
people with respiratory illness.
• On bad air quality days:
– Stay indoors
– Do not exercise outside

18. So what has been done in
Milwaukee?

19. Asthma Grant
Anti Idling Initiative

20.  Permanent Signage up at all 35 asthma
grant schools and Central Office

21. Portable Signage

22. Education is the key!
• Drivers given DNR and EPA literature
showing effects of idling.
• Drivers given window clings to remind them
to shut off vehicles.
• Bus drivers given magnets to remind them
to shut off vehicles.
• Drivers complying receive a magic school
bus key ring as a thank you.

23. Peer Educators Spread
The Word …..
Message: Save Money
Message: Save Our
Lungs
Message: Save the
Environment

24. Congress Extended Year Round
School Anti Idling Event
View press conference at: www.wellnessandpreventionoffice.org

25. Educational materials provided by
the WDNR

26.  All Asthma Grant schools received copies of
the “Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up”

27. EPA Anti-Idling Poster

28. Diesel Oxidation Catalyst Required
On 2011 And Newer Buses
*
1. Beginning with the 2011-12 school year, all 2011 model school buses shall have
EPA verified crankcase filter systems and diesel oxidation catalyst systems.
2. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year contractors will be required to install the
MPS Automatic Vehicle Locator (“AVL”) system on buses designated by MPS.

29. MPS Bus Contract Anti-Idling
Language
The purpose of this policy is to implement current US EPA standards by eliminating all
unnecessary idling of contracted school buses. This policy applies to the operation of all
contracted school buses.
1. When school bus drivers arrive at loading or unloading areas to drop off or pick up
passengers, they should turn off their buses as soon as possible to eliminate idling time
and reduce harmful emissions. The school bus should not be restarted until it is ready
to depart and there is a clear path to exit the pick-up area. Exceptions include
conditions that would compromise passenger safety, such as:
a. Extreme weather conditions
b. Idling in traffic
2. Limit the idling time during early morning warm-up to what is recommended by the
manufacturer (generally 3-5 minutes) in all but the coldest weather.
3. In colder weather, schools will be directed to provide a space inside the school where
bus drivers who arrive early can wait.
4. In colder weather, if the warmth of the bus is an issue, idling is to be at a very minimum
and occur outside the school zone. The “Warmed” school bus is to enter the school
zone as close to pick-up time as possible to maintain warmth and then shut down.
5. Bidders must have a detailed strategy to train drivers on this policy, including anti-idling
procedures in driver training materials. Anti-idling signage will be posted at all bus
company locations.
6. Bidders shall conduct regular on-site inspections of school sites to ensure procedures
are followed. Bidders shall take immediate action to rectify the occurrence.

30. Distributing anti-idling posters to all
schools this fall

31. Medical Residents Talk to
Legislators

32. Thank You!

33. Robert C. Little
Central Region Manager
734.679.7526
Robert.Little@roush.com
PROPANE AUTOGAS: A CLEAR CHOICE
Powered by:

34. Choosing the Right Partner
Technology /
Manufacturer
Fuel
Propane Molecule
(C3H8)
Infrastructure

35. ROUSH Enterprises Brand Portfolio
Roush Fenway Racing
• Dominant NASCAR Sprint Cup racing team.
ROUSH Performance
• Industry leading high performance vehicles.
ROUSH Life Sciences
• Setting a new standard in medical equipment
design, manufacturing, and engineering.
ROUSH Industries
• OEM quality manufacturing, engineering,
prototyping, and design capabilities.

36. Corporate Overview
Corporate Wheel of Capability

37. Single Source Engineering and Support

38. Building 2 – Emissions Testing

39. Building 3 – NVH

40. Building 6 – Machining/Engine Build

41. Building 15 – Engine Development

42. Building 79 – Vehicle Assembly

43. Building 87 - RCT Headquarters
•Manufacturing
•Complex Assembly
•Sales & Marketing
•Engineering
•Warranty & Field Service

44. Engine Background
 Ford 6.8L-3V engine.
 Produced in Windsor Ontario:
– 2.1 million square feet
– 1850 employees
 Introduced in 1997.
– Upgraded in 2005 with 3 valves per cylinder.
 Currently used in Ford Super Duty trucks (F-450 / F-550 / F-650),
strip chassis, motor homes and commercial step vans.
 Over 1 million 6.8L engines have been produced.
 The engine was upgraded with premium valves, valve seats and a
larger oil pump to meet Blue Bird’s needs.

45. Fuel System
 67.5 gallon capacity.
 Carbon steel.
 Twice the required thickness for
ASME Certification
 312 PSI working pressure.

46. Fuel System
16 Mounting Points
Located Inside Frame Rails

47. Safety Testing
 4,000 lbs @ 40 MPH.
 Angled side and rear impact.
 220 PSI tank pressure.
 CMVSS 301.1 protocol.
 No leakage or pressure drop in 30 minute test.

48. Blue Bird Vision
Fuel Rail
ROUSH CleanTech’s signature
blue anodized aluminum fuel
rail is designed to operate
under varying temperatures
of liquid propane
Fuel Tank
The liquid propane autogas fuel tank
meets all ASME certification standards,
is made of steel, and is built and assembled
in the USA.
FRPCM
The Fuel Rail Pressure Control
Module ensures consistent vehicle
performance and power on-demand.
Fuel Fill
Industry-standard valve designed to
allow for safe passage of liquid propane into the vehicle. Includes a
check valve to prevent fuel leaks.
Fuel Lines
Fuel Injectors
Special fuel injectors are used
to inject liquid propane into the
cylinders for ignition.
Made of high-durability stainless
steel to handle varying temperatures
and pressures. They are designed to
route through the factory line locations.

49. Product Overview
Model Years
2012- 2013
Engine Size
6.8L V10 (3V)
Applications
All cab configurations.
All wheelbase configurations.
6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Mid-Ship: 67 gallons (usable)
Extended Range: 93 gallons (usable)
Technical Specifications
EPA and CARB approved.
GVWR: 33,000 lbs.
Up to 77 passengers
Order Availability
Blue Bird dealers
Blue Bird Vision
(Type C)

50. Product Overview
Model Years
2012- 2013
Engine Size
6.8L V10 (2V)
Applications
All cab configurations.
158” / 176” wheelbase configurations.
5-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel Tank Capacity
Mid-Ship: 41 gallons (usable)
Technical Specifications
EPA and CARB approved.
GVWR: 14,500 lbs.
Up to 30 passengers
Order Availability
Blue Bird dealers
Micro Bird G5
(Type A)

51. ROUSH Passenger and Cargo Vehicles
 Full Line of E-Series:
– 2009+
Ford E-150 / 250 / 350 - 5.4L V8
– 2007+
Ford E-350 Cutaway - 5.4L V8
– 2009+
Ford E-450 Cutaway - 6.8L V10

52. ROUSH Trucks
 Full Line of F-Series:
– 2007.5-2008
Ford F-150 - 5.4L V8
– 2009-2010
Ford F-250 / 350 - 5.4L V8
– 2012+
Ford F-250/350 – 6.2L V8
– 2011+
Ford F-450 / 550 - 6.8L V10
– 2012+
Ford F-650 - 6.8L V10

53. Alt. Fuel Experience
Propane Autogas
– Over 4,000 vehicles sold.
– Service, warranty, sales infrastructure in place.
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
• Design of fuel system.
• Calibration.
Electric
– Over 16,000 recharging stations built.
– Blink ECOtality contract with U.S. DOE.
Hydrogen
• 207.297 MPH (world land-speed record.)

54. Factors for Alt Fuel Analysis
Economics
Environmental
Responsibility
Energy
Independence

55. Choosing the Right Partner
Technology /
Manufacturer
Fuel
Propane Molecule
(C3H8)
Infrastructure

56. What Is Propane Autogas?
Economical
– 40% - 50% less expensive than gasoline.
Clean
– 24% reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
– 20% reduction in Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) emissions.
– 60% reduction in Carbon Monoxide (CO) emissions.
Domestic
– Export Billions of Gallons per Year
Abundant
– Most refueling infrastructure of any alternative fuel.
– Powers over 21 million vehicles worldwide.
Safe
– Low pressure (~ 200 psig).
– Fuel tanks are 20 times more puncture resistant than gasoline.
Propane Molecule
(C3H8)

57. US Propane Supply Growing
U.S. and Canada Shale Gas Production (Bcfd)
40.0
Increase in Natural Gas Liquids Production From U.S.
and Canada Shale Gas (Million Gallons per year)
16,000
35.0
Western Canada
30.0
All Other US
14,000
12,000
Eagle Ford
25.0
Bakken
20.0
Utica
15.0
10,000
Pentanes
Butane
Marcellus
Haynesville /1
10.0
Fayetteville
8,000
6,000
4,000
Barnett
5.0
Woodford
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
-
Ethane
2,000
Propane
0
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
1/ Haynesville production includes production from other shales in
the vicinity, e.g., the Bossier Shale
Natural gas liquids production from shale gas is expected to increase by more than 6.9 Billion Gallons per
year between 2010 and 2015.
•
1.8 billion gallons of new propane supply by 2015
•
3.6 billion gallons of new propane supply by 2020
Source: ICF Consulting

58. Wholesale Price Comparison
 The price gap between propane and diesel continues to widen over time.
June, 2008:
~$2.00 / gal.
difference
(propane & diesel)
February, 2013:
~$2.50 / gal.
difference
(propane & diesel)
January, 2009:
$1.50 / gal.
difference
(propane & diesel)
Source: Ferrellgas

59. Choosing the Right Partner
Technology /
Manufacturer
Fuel
Propane Molecule
(C3H8)
Infrastructure

60. Fueling Stations
On-Site Refueling:
Ford Michigan Assembly Plant (MI)
La Pine School District (OR)
Alliance Autogas Propane Tank
ROUSH CleanTech (MI)
Shell (AZ)
Heritage Propane Tank

61. Taking our Partners to Victory Lane

62. Blue Bird Savings
2013 BB Vision
Save Up to
$41,000 in
Operating
Costs

63. Healthy Transportation
 Studies show that more than 70% of ambient air
pollution comes from diesel emissions alone.
– Diesel particulates are dangerous because they are so tiny, and can
lodge into the deepest areas of human lungs.
– Children, in particular, are susceptible because they breathe 50
percent more air per pound of body weight than adults.
 Propane powered buses emit virtually zero particulate
matter.
– In essence, this is a 100% decrease in unhealthy particulate
emissions when compared to diesel school buses.




Solomon, Gina M., et al. “No Breathing in the Aisles: Diesel Exhaust Inside School Buses.” National Resources Defense Council and the Coalition for Clean Air.
January 2001 27 April 2004 <http://www.nrdc.org/air/transportation/schoolbus/sbusinx.asp>.
Nazemi, Mike A. “Multiple Toxics Exposure Study (MATES-II) in the South Coast Air Basin.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Science Policy
(OSP), South Coast Air Quality Management District. Sampling Period: April 1998 to March 1999. 29 April 2004
<http://www.epa.gov/osp/presentations/airtox/nazemi.pdf>.
“Health and Environmental Effects of Particulate Matter.” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air & Radiation (OAR), Office of Air Quality Planning &
Standards. 17 July 1997. Last updated on Thursday, July 11th, 2002. 29 April 2004 <http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/naaqsfin/pmhealth.html>.
“Clean Cities Propane Overview,” U.S. Department of Energe (DOE), 11 December 2012. www1.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/toolbox/.../propane_overview.ppt..

64. Cold Weather Performance
 Ford F-250 in Alaska
– Operated in temperatures < 0 F.
– Drove > 1,000 miles / week.
– 9+ months in Alaska.
 Demo Vehicle
–
–
–
–
State of Alaska Fleet Services.
CH2M Hill.
CONAM Construction.
Ted Stevens Anchorage Int’l
Airport.
– City of Anchorage.

65. 2013 Arctic Front in Minnesota
February 1, 2013

-13 air temperature, -25 wind chill in Minneapolis

Chaska, MN: buses started at 5:00am to begin 6:00am driver check-in

Two diesels were no starts and were plugged in over night

All Propane Units started right up and did not need to be plugged in

Within ten minutes all propane units were starting to heat and take the extreme cold out of
the air; nearly all of the diesel still were below zero due to the cold.

By 7:30am some diesels were warmed up; plenty other diesels you could still see the
breath in the air.

“Propane unit drivers were so warm they were able to shed jackets and wear a sweater, or
even a short sleeve shirt with “house temperatures”

“Many old school bus drivers that were around in the 60’s and 70’s that used propane units
then experienced buses freezing up in the winter time or hard starts. With today’s propane
converted equipment we have experienced none of that. Everything has been easy
starting, fast heating, and few issues if any.”

66. ROUSH Technical Support
185 Service Centers and Expanding
 Mario Genovese - School Bus Technical Expert
– Mario.Genovese@roush.com
– 734.466.6738 (Office)
– 734.679.9935 (Mobile)

67. Customer Adoption

68. Testimonials

“With today’s tight school budgets, using a transportation fuel that saves
taxpayers money, keeps the environment clean, and keeps jobs within our
national borders is a win-win for everyone. Plus, our drivers love how quiet the
propane buses perform.”
–

“Before tax credits, we pay nearly half the price of diesel for propane, cutting our
fuel expenditures by more than 50%. So far we’ve saved $10,000 on the five
Blue Bird buses alone.”
–

Kevin Neafie (Director of Transportation, Tippecanoe School Corp IN)
“In their first year of operation, these propane autogas school buses (81) are
expected to save $500,000 to $700,000 in fuel and maintenance costs over
their diesel counterparts.”
–

William Schofield (Superintendent, Hall County Schools GA)
Mark Elias (Area General Manager, First Student OR)
We are saving $0.37 per mile in operating costs; any-one who works with
school fleets can appreciate that substantial number.”
–
Ron Latko (Director of Transportation, Mesa Unified School District AZ)

69. Together We Practice Environmental Responsibility
Together We Are Innovative
Together We Succeed
Robert C. Little
Central Region – Fleet Sales Manager
734.679.7526
Robert.Little@roush.com

70. Propane
November 19, 2013
70

71. Propane Offers a Compelling Value Proposition
 Safe
 Exceptionally strong fuel tanks
 Built-in safeguards
 Quieter ride
 Cost




Less expensive fuel
Lower maintenance costs
$.50 per gallon U.S. tax credit
Affordable infrastructure
 Fuel
 Domestically produced
 Abundant supply
 Readily available
 Green
 Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
 Performance
 Exceptional power and cold-weather performance
Propane is a Safe, Cost Effective, Domestically-Sourced Fuel
that Reduces Emissions and Delivers Exceptional Performance
71

72. Propane is Safe
 Fuel tank is 20 time more puncture resistant than the typical
gasoline or diesel fuel tank
 Fuel tank is mounted between the chassis frame rails for
additional protection in the event of an accident
 Multiple safeguards are installed in the ROUSH CleanTech
system to block the release of propane in the event of a leak
72

73. Propane Testing
 4,000 lbs @ 40 MPH
 Angled Side and
Rear Impact
 220 PSI Tank
Pressure
 CMVSS 301.1
Protocol
 No Leakage or No
Pressure Drop in
30 Minute Test
73

74. Propane Fueling Infrastructure is Inexpensive
 The infrastructure costs for propane on-site fueling stations
start at approximately $45,000 compared to $400,000 for CNG
stations, and many propane suppliers will bake the cost of the
station into the fuel cost so no out-of-pocket expense is
required at time of installation
Transportation Directors Like the Ease of On-Site Fueling
74

75. Propane Delivers Performance
 With 362 hp, the Ford/ROUSH
CleanTech engine delivers
outstanding power
 Cold weather performance is
exceptional and does not
require fuel additives or preheating like diesel applications
 Propane buses heat up quicker
than diesel-powered units
Started at -18 Degrees
Fahrenheit with No Problem
Buyers Love the Power & Cold Weather Performance
75

76. Propane Offers Significant Savings
 Propane can save the typical
school district approximately
$50,000 in fuel cost over the
life of the bus
 Additional savings can be
achieved through lower
maintenance costs
 Only 7 quarts of oil
required for oil changes
vs. 21+ quarts for diesel
engines
 No DEF fluid required for
emissions system
Propane Buses Reduce the Total Cost of Ownership
76

77. Component Availability
 Common Body Lengths, Passenger Capacities & Options
Available:
 Micro Bird Propane – 158” Wheelbase, Up to 30 Passengers
 Vision Propane
 6 Wheelbases 189” – 280”
 Up to 77 Passengers
 Air Conditioning
 Skirt Mounted Luggage Compartments
 Spring or Air Ride Suspensions (Type C)
 Wheelchair Lifts
 Flat Floor (Type A & Type C)
 68 and 93 gallon fuel containers available
Propane is available in most popular configurations
77

78. Propane Engine & Fuel System Coverage
 Engine and Propane Fuel
System Coverage
 5 year / 100,000 miles
78

79. Alternative Fuel Markets
Alberta
DC
Maine
Nevada
Texas
Alaska
Florida
Michigan
New York
Utah
Alabama
Georgia
Minnesota
Ohio
Virginia
Arkansas
Iowa
Missouri
Oklahoma
Vermont
Arizona
Idaho
Montana
Ontario
Washington
British Columbia
Illinois
North Carolina
Oregon
Wisconsin
California
Kansas
New Hampshire
Pennsylvania West Virginia
Colorado
Mass.
New Jersey
S. Carolina
Connecticut
Maryland
New Mexico
Tennessee
Nebraska
3 Provinces, 40 States and D.C.
79

80. Fleets are Very Happy with Propane
Ron Latko
We Have Many Testimonials from Satisfied Customers
80

81. Summary
 The value proposition associated with reducing the total cost of
ownership through a safe bus that reduces a district’s carbon
footprint while delivering exceptional performance is compelling
 There are vast reserves of natural gas in the USA that ensure a
solid and predictable supply of propane into the future
 Fully integrated, all conventional bus lengths, passenger
capacities and
 Customers that buy propane re-buy propane, because it works
Propane is a Competitive Differentiator for Blue Bird
81

82. Thank you!
82