Blue Bird to Offer Propane-Powered School Bus

Fort Valley, Ga. (April 24, 2006) - Blue Bird Corporation, in conjunction with the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC), Dallas County Schools and Texas state clean-air advocates, today announced the availability of a full-size propane-powered school bus for early 2007.

At a formal ceremony in Dallas, Texas, Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael L. Williams commended Blue Bird's vision and dedication to this important project. "I greatly appreciate Blue Bird for acknowledging the benefits of propane-fueled buses and for taking the time and effort to address this need," said Williams. "Propane buses cut emissions of soot, smoke and particulates virtually down to zero. In addition, the new buses reduce oxides of nitrogen, which contribute to smog."

As the State of Texas' chief energy agency, the TRC led an alliance of concerned organizations that included the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC) and Clean Fuels USA of Georgetown, Texas. This collective group worked closely with Blue Bird to secure funding for the development and certification of the low-emissions propane school bus.

In addition, Williams announced that the Railroad Commission has been awarded a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to assist Texas school districts in the purchase of cleaner propane buses. The grant, through the State Energy Conservation Office, will cover up to 80 percent of the cost difference between a propane-powered and alternative-powered bus.

The new full-size conventional propane vehicle developed by Blue Bird features an LPG engine installation in partnership with Powertrain Integration, providing low-emission certification and 270 horsepower @ 3600 rpm. The buses will be available in 47 to77 passenger capacities with wheelbases ranging from 189 to 273 inches.

"Our position as a school bus market leader isn't just the result of our innovations, it's also due to the comprehensive line of school buses we offer to meet the diverse and changing needs of our customers," said Jay McDuffie, Blue Bird's Advertising, Communication, & Training Manager. "Blue Bird offers a range of school bus propulsion options: compressed natural gas, diesel, and now propane which provides school districts with an attractive array of fuel choices."

In addition to Williams and McDuffie, today's ceremony was attended by Collin County Judge Ron Harris, chairman of the Texas Clean Air Working Group; Tim Jones, Director of Fleet Maintenance, Dallas County Schools; Curtis Donaldson, President of Clean Fuels USA in Georgetown, Texas, representing the Propane Education & Research Council; Barry Feldman, EPA Region VI Clean School Bus program manager; Michael Morris, Executive Director of the North Central Texas Council of Governments; and Mary-Jo Rowan, program manager with the Texas State Energy Conservation Office.

Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C, and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. For nearly 80 years, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry quality standards with its innovative design, manufacturing capabilities and customer service. Blue Bird has an extensive network of distributors and service-parts facilities throughout North America . For more information, please visit

www.blue-bird.com .

# # # #