Northwood Transportation Introduces Efforts to Reduce School Bus Idling

For Immediate Release:

January 6, 2012
Contact: Deborah D’Alessandro, 603- 942-5418
or Margaret Joyce, 603-491-8688

Northwood Transportation introduces efforts to reduce school bus idling

Local school bus company Northwood Transportation, Inc. (NTI), has reaffirmed its commitment to reduce school bus idling in an effort to mitigate the harmful effects of diesel exhaust and protect the health of students and drivers. The Stop Idling Campaign calls for drivers to turn off engines as soon as they arrive in the school yard and not allow engines to idle while discharging or waiting for passengers.

Air pollution from diesel vehicles has health implications for everyone, but children are more susceptible to this pollution because their respiratory systems are not fully developed. At schoolyards, idling school buses release emissions directly into the breathing zone of children. School bus drivers can make a significant impact on their health and that of their passengers by limiting engine idling whenever possible.

According to New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services Outreach Planner Jessica Morton, “Reducing idling also saves fuel, reduces engine wear and tear, and saves school bus companies and school districts thousands of dollars each year.”

NTI President Deborah D’Alessandro encourages other school bus company managers and drivers to take the No-Idling Pledge and re-affirm their commitment to limit school bus idling. “Parents who drive their children to and from school can also take steps to reduce the harmful effects of exhaust by turning off their engines while they wait for their kids.”

“We are fortunate that Northwood Transportation has taken a leadership role in helping us reduce harmful emissions around our campus,” says Coe-Brown Northwood Academy Headmaster Dave Smith.” We look forward to working with NTI, our other transportation providers and the Coe-Brown community as we promote the ‘No Idling” campaign.

NTI has also adopted the following procedures to reduce diesel emissions:

During morning start-up, buses should idle no longer than necessary to bring them to proper operating temperature and in colder weather to defrost all windows.

During athletic events in the winter, drivers should use indoor space to stay warm instead of remaining on the bus.

When idling is necessary for heating or mechanical purposes, drivers should limit idling time, based on outside air temperature, according to state regulations.

As part of the campaign, D’Alessandro has been nominated for A Breathe Easy Leadership Award by the Northeast Diesel Collaborative (NEDC). The NEDC Breathe Easy Recognition Program recognizes the outstanding efforts of individuals or organizations that are actively promoting the goals of the NEDC. The NEDC Breathe Easy Leadership Award is given to those individuals or organizations that have demonstrated leadership in reducing diesel emissions and have made significant contributions to improving air quality and public health. Nominated parties are judged on their effectiveness in meeting the NEDC's goals and the degree to which they lead and inspire others to step up their efforts in reducing diesel emissions. The winners will be named in January 2012.

The NEDC is a regionally coordinated public-private initiative to reduce diesel emissions, improve public health, and promote clean diesel technology. The collaborative brings together several state environmental agencies, federal Environmental Protection Agency regional offices, and private-sector companies to address the existing fleet of diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.

Northwood Transportation was founded in 1963 and serves Northwood School District and Coe-Brown Northwood Academy. NTI promotes safe riding procedures on all its vehicles. More information can be found at www.northwoodtransportation.com.

Photo captions: Signs provided by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services remind bus drivers at Coe-Brown Northwood Academy not to idle their engines as part of an effort to reduce harmful emissions.

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