John Ray & Sons Supply Propane to Fuel New Buses at Hoosic Valley Central Schools
Posted on: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
TROY, NY - John Ray & Sons has partnered with the Hoosic Valley School District in their effort to "go green" and improve the cost-effectiveness of their school bus fleet.
The Hoosic Valley School District, which includes the Towns of Schaghticoke and Pittstown, has three new liquid propane buses to help transport the 1,250 students daily to 21 different schools.
John Ray & Sons has installed a propane fueling station for the school district, the company's first installation at a school district. "Today, more than 10 million vehicles run on propane throughout the world," said John Ray & Sons' President Ken Ray. "We're delighted to have been chosen to supply the propane to the school district and to help students learn first-hand about cost-effective, alternative transportation technology," he said.
According to Hoosic Valley School Superintendent Douglas Kelley, the new buses are the start of the district's environmental initiative, as they continue to look into other, "greener" technology for building applications.
Hoosic Valley's Transportation Director Wayne Akin noted that the school district has estimated the new buses run at about 60 percent of the cost of diesel buses. "With VETC credit (Volumetric Excise Tax Credit for Alternative Fuels), propane buses average 18 cents a mile, compared to diesel buses that operate at about 30 cents a mile using today's energy costs."
Mr. Akin noted the primary factor for the district's decision to purchase the propane buses. "The diesel emission technology for 2007 engines - and now for 2010 engines - is designed for vehicles that use highways primarily. With the school bus application, we do not get the exhaust temperatures needed to keep the particulate filters clean," he said.
"Plus," Mr. Akin added, "The propane buses are very quiet when running. We like the absence of noise - both inside and out of the buses."
Hoosic Valley received matching grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and distributed through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to enable them to purchase the propane vehicles. The buses, manufactured by Blue Bird Corp., were purchased from New York Bus Sales.
About John Ray & Sons
Established in 1904 in Troy as an ice delivery service, John Ray & Sons has evolved through the years as times have changed - delivering ice, coal, wood, kerosene, diesel fuel, heating oil, propane, biodiesel, and bioheat fuel to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital Region.
Known for its service and innovative products, the company offers:
- Reliable delivery of heating oil, propane, diesel and biofuels
- 24-hour emergency service
- Propane tank installation/set-up and monitoring
- Heating and cooling system sales and installation
- Propane fill and tank exchange stations
- Custom-designed home comfort systems
- PitStop-branded stations offering gasoline, on- and off-road diesel and kerosene
For more information, visit www.johnray.com.
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