8/23/14 - Five new buses were purchased by the Howell Board of Education at its most recent meeting, but no new propane buses were part of that order. More than $400,000 was spend on the buses, which will contribute to the onging replacement of the districtâs bus fleet. Assistant Superintendent Rick Terres says some of Howellâs buses are 24 years old, and by replacing 5 buses every year for the next five years, the district can make it so the oldest buses in the fleet are only 9 years old. All five of the new buses were diesel-fueled, which is the industry standard. Last year the district purchased two buses that use propane as a fuel, and ever since the district has found those two buses to be reliable, easy to maintain, and cheaper to run. Terres says the district is very happy with the propane models, but they want to give the technology another year of testing before committing to more new propane buses, which have a higher initial cost than diesel models. That extra year will also give the district a better idea of where the propane market is heading, and whether the fuel will get more or less expensive over time. The districtâs bus fleet has a total of 59 vehicles, 48 of which are in constant use while 11 are held in reserve. (TD)
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