For Kansas City, KS Public Schools’ director of transportation, maintaining the district fleet of 160 buses is no easy task.  Incrementally-rising maintenance and diesel fuel costs prompted the director to start researching newer and more efficient buses.

So in 2010, the district learned about the Kansas City Regional Clean Cities Coalition, an initiative that supports alternative fuels for transportation fleets.  After becoming a citywide partner, the district received a $4 million grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

In August of that year, the director of transportation was able to order 47 natural gas powered buses, roughly one-third of the district’s fleet.  Because they are powered by natural gas, there are nearly no emissions.  The elimination of diesel fuel is projected to save the district tens of millions of dollars in expenses.

Also, the rear-engine buses are quieter for the driver, increasing their ability to hear and monitor the students on board.

To learn more about the benefits of the district’s new transportation fleet, click here to access the article.