NB: Propane school bus purchase a big win for the propane industry

New Brunswick government launches propane powered buses to transport students, saving money and the environment. Kevin Coles, Superior Propane (left), Environment and Local Government Minister Jeff Carr (middle), Jean-François Duguay, Canadian Propane Association

On August 30, 2019 the province of New Brunswick officially launched 16 propane school buses in Moncton as a pilot project (see CPA news release: New Brunswick leads Atlantic Canada for propane-fuelled school buses and the government's video on the launch of the buses).

The CPA has been working with the New-Brunswick government procurement team over the past few years, providing information about the advantages of propane-fuelled school buses and how they can be an ideal low-cost, low-emission solution for school boards. Subsequently, as a direct result of the CPA’s work, New Brunswick made the decision to purchase 16 propane school buses from the supplier IC Bus.

The CPA worked closely with staff at Superior Propane and Regional Service Co-ordinator, New Brunswick Department of Transportation Roland Gallant to ensure a smooth transition.

The buses are based in Moncton and will serve the surrounding school region, with half of the buses transporting children in the French district area and the other half transporting children in the English district.

As the holder of the propane contract, Superior conducted training sessions in late August for bus drivers and mechanics for the buses to be ready to transport children on the first day of school. The buses will refuel at two Superior Propane facilities in the Greater Moncton area, one located in Moncton and one in Dieppe, NB.

The CPA will monitor the school’s experience with the buses, as well as promote the purchase of additional propane school buses for the next order. The work being done with New Brunswick will assist other provinces such as PEI and Nova Scotia to include propane school buses in their fleets.