A-Z Bus Sales, Inc., a leading provider of transportation solutions, announced delivery of 30 new compressed natural gas (CNG) Blue Bird buses to Fresno Unified School District. The Blue Bird All American CNG buses were purchased through A-Z Bus Sales and replace 1977 model year diesel buses from Crown and 1978 model year diesel buses from Gillig. Upon delivery of the new buses, Fresno Unified will have a total of 42 Blue Bird CNG buses, supporting approximately 9.500 students and scheduled to cover 1.5 million miles each year on established routes and field trips.

   “With this purchase, I expect the engines and transmissions to last twice the miles when compared to other buses.” says Ralph Meza, Director of Transportation, Fresno Unified School District. “In buying CNG buses over diesel, we’ve found significant cost savings in both fuel and maintenance expense. The oil runs cleaner with need to change it less frequently and fuel costs are down because we can run two CNGs for the price of one diesel bus.”

   When we’re transporting 9,500 students over 1.5 million miles yearly, cost savings are important to managing the District’s transportation budget.” Mr. Meza concludes, “CNG buses not only help my bottom line, they also provide immeasurable benefit for our students. Because CNG runs smoother, quieter, and cleaner, that translates to a healthier environment and healthier students.”

   “A-Z Bus Sales is pleased to support Fresno Unified School District’s pupil transportation needs,” says Jim Reynolds, President, A-Z Bus Sales, Inc. Mr. Reynolds adds, “Fresno joins the ranks of several other California school districts who are converting their fleets to alternate fuel buses because they value the benefits of CNG over diesel, such as reduced air pollution and less particulate matter, resulting in cleaner air for the students and the residents of Fresno.”