1. WHAT’S NEW IN

2. 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

3. Propane Tank at SCOT Lot

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. Current Practice in VA for Stop-Arm Violators
State Code
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

9. 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.

10. 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