Domestic green fuel now powers of 47 after a school bus-the Kansas City Star

The days of wood diesel school buses would be weakening.

In the center of Kansas City, Kan., school district added 47 buses that run on compressed natural gas. It is the first school district in Kansas or Missouri to launch a massive fleet with alternative fuel.

"These buses are greener, cleaner, and from domestic sources of compressed natural gas, rather than imported naphtha," said Kelli Mather, Chief Financial Officer in the district.

Buses are expected to reduce fuel costs by more than one-third and to significantly reduce maintenance costs, district officials said.

As prices of gas and naphtha district not short, show that their commitment. Police stopped traffic Wednesday morning as buses swept after State Avenue on the transport centre in the district, where it was produced.

Compressed natural gas vehicle is half of the district the largest buses and replace one-third of its fleet of aging.

$ 7 million project was part of the Department of energy stimulus grant paid $ 4 million. The district covered the remaining cost.

The federal tax credit will pay 50 cents on a gallon of gas. Overall, in the district expects us $ 1 per gallon savings on compressed natural gas versus diesel.

One of the biggest downfalls of compressed natural gas is to reduce costs and scarce petrol station.

George Taylor, Director of transport in the district, said the change would not be possible without a federal grant for the diminishing cost of purchase of the buses. Grant has also paid the entire cost of the construction of a pumping station.

Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition leaders believe that the buses will be rebuilt 1 to 2 million litres of diesel fuel, depending on years of service it provides to each bus. The district also eliminates the "150 000 pounds of greenhouse gases per annum, from the very places where children live, learn and play," said Kelly Gilbert, Director of the Coalition, which the Agency is in part aimed at increasing the fleet with alternative fuels. The Coalition is managed by the Energy Center of the Metropolitan.

At the State border from the city of Kansas City school district has about 250 vehicles using the same-an alternative fuel. Proved to be safe and save significant dollars the cost of maintenance and fuel.

Unified Government of Mayor Joe Reardon said, the program takes to the city and County of vision building sustainable buildings and infrastructure – effort announced several years ago – to the next level.

"We're talking about improving the effectiveness of something that happens every day in our region," said Reardon, he added that domestic fuel provides jobs for Americans.

The district argued that the environmentally friendly aspect was key decision for the choice of compressed natural gas. Few people like the idea of the children of diesel pollution on their way to and from school each day. But the cost savings in a rush in the decision.

Taylor spent four years studying alternative fuels, as he looked to replace buses within the County. In the district settled on compressed natural gas, because it proved to be safe and the purest commercially available fuel.

Buses can fill each night using the system slowly fill. Once full, there are about 400 miles. Whereas, that service stations are not enlarged, and cannot, in the district to eliminate dependence on diesel buses.

Kansas City, Kan., is the first school district in the area so they invest in buses, other. On Wednesday, school officials from other areas, including school district Parkway in Chesterfield, MO., attended to learn more.

The Rosa, transport Director for the District of Parkway, said tougher emission standards each year, and compressed natural gas seems to be the way these standards and save money. But there are other considerations.

"We want to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, as well as Kansas City," said Rosa.

Taylor said he expects students and neighbors the transportation center, the immediate difference in the fumes. You have left for the bus in operation also noticed the difference.

"You suck, diesel engines," he said.

Posted in green technologies

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