WHAT’S NEW IN

Transition to Propane Bus Fleet More economical to operate More environmentally friendly NNPS purchased 24 propane-powered buses 21 (71 passenger) - Regular Ed 3 (65 passenger) - Special Needs Fuel supplier installed a 2,000 gallon tank at SCOT Lot

Propane Tank at SCOT Lot

Propane Buses are More Economical Maintenance advantages of propane-fueled buses : Oil changes Propane buses eliminate over 20 parts/components Estimated annual cost to operate is $2,100 as compared to $3,250 to operate a diesel bus The state offers a $7,000 rebate for each bus eliminating the cost difference between propane and diesel buses We are eligible for a $0.36 per gallon rebate for propane fuel through the Alternative Fuel Excise Credit

Propane Buses are More Environmentally Friendly Propane bus safety features: Fuel tank is 20 times more puncture resistant than diesel tanks If propane leaks, it doesn’t puddle or leave residue, it vaporizes and dissipates into the air. Propane is a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-corrosive fuel Other benefits of a propane bus include: Lower engine noise than its diesel counterpart Less driver distraction and fatigue Starts in temperatures as cold as -56oF / Vehicle warm-up is quick and easy resulting in quicker cabin heat.

Safety Improvement The National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation did annual stop-arm survey in 2016 and found that over 74 thousand vehicles passed a stopped school bus in a single day. NNPS pilot of stop-arm cameras conducted March – June 2016 6 buses used 703 violations 93 unique locations

NNPS Stop-Arm Pilot Results April - one week off and June was a half month Friday (29%) High Day Monday (14%) Low Day 2PM Highest Activity 215 169 178 141

Current Practice in VA for Stop-Arm Violators State Code 46.2-844 Stop arm violators are subject to a civil penalty of $250 Locality may, by ordinance, authorize the school division of the locality to install and operate a video-monitoring system Stop-Arm Cameras in Virginia Manassas City Schools Arlington County Fairfax Fall Church

Bus Stop Arm Process When a school bus extends its stop arm, the system automatically detects a vehicle passing the stopped school bus within the enforced zone. When a vehicle passes the school bus, the cameras capture video showing the violating vehicle - images extracted from the video include not only the violating vehicle as it passes the school bus, but also the vehicle’s license plate and the school bus’s extended stop arm The video of the violating vehicle is provided as further evidence of the violation. Violation data and images then are wirelessly uploaded to ATS’ robust back-office processing system via a secure Virtual Private Network (VPN). A final review of the violation image and video is conducted by law enforcement personnel, who either approve or reject the violation. If law enforcement approve the violation, a citation is issued and mailed to the vehicle owner.

Steps to Move Forward Support from key players to move forward: School Board City Council Police Department Contract with Vendor Ordinance to be passed by City Council Public awareness campaign Implementation