Regina Catholic School Division expects savings under new propane bus contract

Regina Catholic School Division’s (RCSD) new yellow school bus fleet will have a tinge of green when it rolls out in September.

The division’s fleet of 89 buses will now be propane fuelled, making it the largest of its kind in Saskatchewan.

When maintenance and fuel costs are factored in, the division said it expects to save about $500,000 on the switch from diesel buses.

In addition to the savings the RCSD is making the switch to further practice what they preach.

“Teaching our students environmental stewardship is one of the values that we hold very dear, and we want our students to also make that a priority for themselves moving forward in their lives,” RCSD director of education Domenic Scuglia said.

The companies behind the buses, Blue Bird and ROUSCH CleanTech, said the emissions are 80 per cent lower than conventional diesel engines.

It also said the buses will start better in -30 C conditions and need less idle time to warm up.

The buses will be operated by LP3 Transportation, who are contracted by RCSD.

LP3 transportation said the new fleet could end a certain winter tradition for the kids; missing school due to the bus being too cold.

“That’s going to be tougher for them. Maybe in a blizzard when traction’s an issue, we can’t do anything about that one. They’re going to lose the excuse the bus is too cold I guess,” LP3 director of operations David White chuckled.