Go Kobussen, Go Green

Buses Save Lives, Energy, Money and the Environment

Buses are the most fuel-efficient transportation mode in the United States when measured in terms of passenger miles per gallon of fuel.

Buses on average provided 184.4 passenger miles per gallon of fuel in 2006, more than six times that of a single passenger automobile at 27.7 passenger miles per gallon.

The typical Bus replaces an average of 36 cars, therefore, it is much more fuel efficient and cleaner for the environment per person than any car, electric hybrid or otherwise.

In April of 2006 Kobussen retrofitted 35 of its buses in its Sun Prairie operation with diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC). The EPA reported emissions reduction for the school buses equipped with the DOC device at 50% for HC, 40% for CO and 20% for PM.

Kobussen has also become more aggressive at replacing older buses sooner with new "greener" buses. Kobussen Buses, Ltd. has one of the newest fleet of buses in Wisconsin.

Kobussen Buses, Ltd. has also using engine pre-heaters that heat up the engines without idling - reducing expensive downtime and eliminating "white smoke". These heaters raise the temperature of the engine's coolant gradually, assuring an even heating of the engine block.

By tapping directly into the fuel and power supply of the vehicle they avoid the need for external hook ups- so they operate no matter where the vehicle is. Warm starts reduce engine stress and wear and reduce battery demand. With a preheater you will have smooth starts every time.

No more coughing and sputtering the engine when trying to start it. This means increased fuel efficiency and a cleaner environment.

For more than 10 years, Kobussen Buses, Ltd. has saved energy by recycling used engine oil. The used engine oil is burned in a special furnace to heat the maintenance facilities.

Kobussen has implemented an anti-idling policy. Drivers only idle their buses in cold weather, and all electronic ignition buses are programmed to shut down after 10 minutes

The green efforts extend to offices practices as well. The staff uses GPS and route planning software to make routes more efficient. Kobussen also has replaced office lighting with more efficient florescent lights this saves energy and has a payback of about 5 years.Yes, we provide our own maintenance facilities, drivers and vehicles - which are equipped for clients with special needs.