In recent years, school districts have converted portions of their bus fleets to cleaner-burning, sometimes cheaper, alternative fossil fuels, such as compressed natural gas or propane. Others have adopted biodiesel, which combines regular diesel with fuel derived from organic sources, usually vegetable oils or animal fats. The number of biodiesel…

America's annual oil consumption continues to increase and is projected to continue the upward spiral into the foreseeable future. Alternative-fuel options are available that are not only cheaper in some cases on an energy-equivalent basis but are also more environmentally friendly. Education leaders need to be concerned with both these facts.…

This article reports that with fuel prices soaring nationwide, reaching more than $4 for each gallon of gas or diesel, school districts are struggling to supplement transportation-budget shortfalls and find ways to offset the increasing costs as a new school year approaches. Now districts--most of whose buses run on diesel fuel--are scrambling to…

This special section on student transportation offers a case study of a school system that recycles buses for safety drills; articles on fuel-saving strategies, the pros and cons of contracting for transportation services or operating a publicly owned bus fleet, and advice on full cost accounting for transportation costs; and a transportation…

Representatives of two school districts argue the advantages they find in the use of diesel-engine buses over gas-engine buses. The advantages include reduced maintenance and better mileage. (IRT)

Provides 39 tips than can save school systems gas, money, or both. The tips are arranged in three categories--general policies, bus maintenance, and gas-saving purchases. (Author/IRT)

Methods for combatting the problem of skyrocketing fuel prices were discussed at an all-day seminar held recently in Richmond, Indiana. (Author/MLF)

This article introduces a series that discusses energy-saving programs for school transportation systems and the role of school buses in local emergency transportation and local public transportation. (IRT)

Briefly describes programs that some school districts have adopted to encourage students (and, in some cases, parents and other members of the community) to use school buses for transportation rather than private cars. (IRT)

The energy crisis can be a real burden on school transportation budgets. Suggested are items in departmental budgets that should be examined. Survey responses show what a number of school districts are doing to reduce fuel consumption. (Author/MLF)

Measures public school transportation directors are taking to solve their current budget problems. (MLF)

The need to conserve fuel will influence future bus designs. Technological advances will be required to meet anticipated government mandates for quieter, safer, more fuel efficient vehicles with lower emission levels. (Author/MLF)

A demonstration program conducted in 12 New Jersey school districts identified 18 fuel cost-saving opportunities for school bus operation that could save the state an estimated $1.6 million in fuel costs. (MLF)