WHAT’S YOUR VISION? A LOOK AT PROPANE POWERED SCHOOL BUSES

WHAT’S YOUR VISION?A LOOK AT PROPANE POWERED SCHOOL BUSES PRESENTED BY: GEORGE C. MILLAR DIRECTOR OF TRANSPORTATION INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT

AGENDA • Welcome • Opening Remarks • Overview of project • What was the decision process • Major issues to consider • Data Analysis • Recommendations • Project Implementation • Questions

THE LPI FUEL TANK

MAJOR ISSUES TO CONSIDER • Pilot a cutting edge program • Wanted to try an alternate fuel to be a part of the Green • Initiative • Pending new regulations, additives etc. were changing for 2010 • Battery powered electric too expensive • Clean burning fuel • Minimal impact to the environment • EPA requirements for emissions were met with Propane power • Capacity size was not affected • Quiet ride

Planning for Propane • Decided to look at 3 types of Routes to measure efficiency. • Bus 1 - Long Distance Route to neighboring County – Few stops • Bus 2 - Inter-city run. Congested traffic/Frequent stops • Bus 3 - A1A Corridor / Long Run – Moderate to Frequent stops • Found that buses would need to refuel daily as each could travel for approximately 1 ½ days on a tank of fuel. • Results were satisfactory overall, with the exception of miles per gallon. • Fuel for buses is significantly less expensive.

DATA ANALYSIS AN OVERVIEW OF DIESEL POWER / PROPANE POWER AVERAGE MILES PER GALLON 1 2 3 1 2 3 6.32 5.92 6.53 DIESEL 4.73 3.36 4.18 PROPANE

COST OF FUEL PER GALLON2010/2011 DIESEL PROPANE AVERAGE COST PER GALLON 1/1/2010 – 12/31/2010 $1.87 • AVERAGE COST PER GALLON 1/1/2010 – 12/31/2010 $2.71 • COST PER GALLON AS OF 2/4/2011 • OPIS COST PER GALLON: $2.8563 • ROAD TAXES: $.31861 • TOTAL: $3.17491 HATTIESBURG AVG-LP GAS AS OF 2/4/2011 COST PER GALLON: $1.4935 VENDOR SURCHARGE: $.47 TOTAL: $1.9635

PROS AND CONS OFPROPANE ENGINES PROS • LOWER FUEL COST • NO ROAD TAXES • LESS EMISSIONS • SMALLER CARBON FOOT PRINT • LESS GREEN HOUSE GASES • POSSIBLE GRANT MONEY AVAILABLE • PROJECTING LONGER BRAKE LIFE DUE TO LESS WEIGHT • EXCEEDS EPA REGULATIONS WITH NO CHANGE • NO SHELF LIFE WITH PROPANE • TAX REBATES ON EACH BUS PURCHASED • FUEL TANK REBATES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE AT $.50/GALLON OF LP • MINIMAL INFRASTRUCTURE COST AND SET UP CONS • DISTANCE BUS CAN TRAVEL BETWEEN FILL-UPS • LOWER MILES PER GALLON OF FUEL • OPTION CHARGE FROM MANUFACTURER (MAY BE RETURNED AS A TAX CREDIT)

Propane Fuel Rebates • Congress Has Authorized an Alternative Fuel Rebate of $.50 per Gallon for Propane if Facility Has Their Own Fueling Station • Must Register with IRS – Form 637 • File IRS Form 4136 Annually

Comparison of Engine Related Repairs and Maintenance • SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED WITH: • Sixteen 2009 Bluebird “Vision” buses • All were 71 passenger capacity • Comparison was done after 17 months of service • 13 buses were powered by Cummins Diesel Engines • 3 buses were powered by General Motors Propane Engines • SURVEY RESULTS ON ENGINE RELATED ISSUES: • Average cost per bus (includes oil and filter) • Diesel Powered: $118.95 • Propane Powered: $102.58 • Number of Road Service Calls • Diesel Powered: 4 • Propane Powered: 0

For Additional Information Please Contact: Mr. George C. Millar Director of Transportation School District of Indian River County george.millar@indianriverschools.org 772-978-8816 or 772-978-8810 Office 772-978-8824 Fax 5235 41st Street, Vero Beach, Fl 32967

WHAT’S YOUR VISION? A LOOK AT PROPANE POWERED SCHOOL BUSES