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CleanTech . “ Our advanced fuel system integrates seamlessly with the new Ford engine to give school bus customers the most costeffective product on the market .” ROUSH CleanTech ’ s Gen 5 propane engine is certified to California Air Resources Board ’ s optional low nitrogen oxide emissions standard of 0.05 grams per brake horsepower-hour ( g / bhp-hr ). The Gen 5 system reduces nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gas emissions , which helps optimize fuel efficiency , and can operate on renewable propane , which further reduces emissions and carbon levels . The engine is designed to meet current and future emissions requirements . “ As the undisputed market leader in this segment , The Best Just Got Better !” Horlock said . Orders are now being taken for Blue Bird ’ s Vision school buses with Gen 5 fuel systems .
Twin Rivers receives 10 additional all-electric school buses
The Lion Electric Company ( Lion ), an innovative manufacturer of purpose-built all-electric medium and heavy-duty urban vehicles , announced that the company has delivered 10 all-electric LionC school buses to the Twin Rivers Unified School District in Sacramento , California . With these new buses , Twin Rivers is now operating the largest zero-emission school bus fleet in North America , with 40 all-electric school buses in its fleet . “ Twin Rivers is the recognized leader in zero-emission school buses , and the numbers speak for themselves – this delivery represents a deeply impressive accomplishment for the school district and zero-emission transportation as a whole and demonstrates Twin Rivers ’ dedication to the health of the local community ,” said Marc Bedard , CEO and Founder of Lion . “ This milestone delivery serves as an example that electrification of school transportation is not coming tomorrow , it is here now , meeting and exceeding the needs of operators .” The 10 LionC buses are part of California Climate Investments , a statewide initiative that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions , strengthening the economy and improving public health the environment — particularly in disadvantaged communities . The buses were funded in large part by cap-and-trade dollars , with additional funding from the Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District , the Sacramento Municipal Utility District and California ’ s Carl Moyer Memorial Air Quality Standards Attainment Program . The buses each have a range of 125 miles and will eliminate on average 230 tons of greenhouse gas emissions per year . The Sac Metro Air District , California Air Resources Board and Twin Rivers School District have collaborated on funding 63 zero-emission school buses in the region to date , with an additional 90 pending delivery in 2021 . To support these buses , over $ 4.5 million has been funded to support the charging infrastructure . “ The Sac Metro Air District is pleased to partner with Lion and Twin Rivers School District ,” said Alberto Ayala , Sac Metro Air District ’ s air pollution control officer . “ Together , we are at the cutting edge of school bus electrification , bringing zero-emission technology to protect our children , but also showing that electric vehicles are real , tangible alternatives to toxic diesel combustion engines . This is no longer a pilot demonstration . With support from our Lion Electric partners and Twin Rivers School District ’ s vision , the Sacramento region can lead the way in the fight for clean air and the transition to a zero-carbon transportation future today .” “ Thanks to California Climate Investments and other incentives , as well as manufacturers such as Lion Electric , schoolkids here in Sacramento – and across California – are riding in the cleanestrunning school buses on the market ,” CARB Deputy Executive Officer Steve Cliff said . “ These investments mean cleaner air for our kids , and for communities that need it most .” A pioneer in zero-emission school buses , Twin Rivers was among the first fleets in the United States to put all-electric buses into service when it received its first buses from Lion in 2016 . Lion has worked closely with the district to train staff in vehicle operation and maintenance , both on-site at its transit yard and at Lion ’ s nearby Sacramento Experience Center where the vehicles are also serviced . The district has since consistently added more electric buses to its fleet and was among the first school districts to receive electric buses from the California Energy Commission ’ s first School Bus Replacement Program . “ We started down the road of electrification four years ago , and the reception has been unanimously positive ,” said Twin Rivers Unified School District Director of Transportation , Timothy Shannon . Everyone from the drivers and maintenance staff , to the community , and most importantly students , have welcomed the possibilities of zero-emission buses and the health benefits that come with their adoption .” All of Lion ’ s vehicles are purpose-built for electric propulsion from the ground up , and are manufactured at Lion ’ s North American facility , which has a current capacity to produce 2,500 electric vehicles per year . Over the last decade , Lion has established itself as a leader in the all-electric school bus industry , having delivered over 300 all-electric school buses in North America with over 6 million miles driven since 2016 . Lion ’ s vehicles are distributed and serviced through the company ’ s network of Experience Centers , including two locations in California along with facilities in New York , Washington , Florida and Arizona .
American School Bus Council celebrates essential workers with Love the Bus Month
As COVID-19 has drastically changed the landscape of schools and student transportation across the country , the American School Bus Council is bringing the industry together virtually to celebrate Love the Bus Month . A new online video campaign entitled “ Big Yellow Valentine ,” will help to educate parents , school officials , lawmakers , and the public about the essential role the yellow school bus continues to play in the lives of children every school day . “ Each school day , millions of children depend on the yellow bus to get safely to and from school . While the school bus , the safest way to get to school , is often deemed the hero by school children , it ’ s those behind the scenes – the drivers , technicians , and bus attendants – who are the unsung heroes ,” said Charlie Hood , executive director of the National Association of State Directors of Public Transportation Services . “ This year we wanted to take a different approach and produce a commemorative video to celebrate all those who keep education rolling . This past year has been difficult for all , so we wanted to take this time to show our appreciation for these essential personnel .”
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