Historic Red Bus Rides Again in Glacier National Park

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TO ENVIRONMENTAL, AUTO AND NATIONAL EDITORS:

Historic Red Bus Rides Again in Glacier National Park

New Clean Technology from Ford Motor Co. Returns Red Bus,

Preserving National Park Heritage & Environment

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, WASHINGTON, Jun. 7 -/E-Wire/-- Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton today announced the return of the newly refurbished, historic Red Bus #98 to Glacier National Park, made possible through a unique public/private partnership between the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation and Ford Motor Company.

"Two years ago, it seemed that age and mechanical fatigue had overtaken the Red Buses. Today, however, thanks to the commitment and clean technology of Ford Motor Company, the Red Buses will ride again, thrilling visitors and doing an even better job of protecting the environment," said Secretary Norton at this morning's event on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

First introduced into Glacier National Park in 1936, the Red Bus fleet was developed as part of a National Park Service effort to standardize passenger transportation in the National Parks. It is believed to be the oldest fleet of passenger vehicles anywhere in the world, and carried generations of park visitors along the steep and winding "Going to the Sun Road." In 1999, after more than six decades of service, the entire Red Bus fleet was retired because of growing safety and environmental concerns associated with metal fatigue and polluting engines.

"Ford recognized that the Red Buses were an important part of the Glacier experience, and we wanted to use technology to protect this valuable National Park heritage," said Janet Mullins Grissom, Ford Motor Company's Vice President for Washington Affairs. "We are committed to developing transportation solutions that protect the environment and delight the public."

On hand today to greet the refurbished bus was 86-year-old Dr. Robert Wise, who was the first driver of Red Bus #98 when it entered service in 1936. The Red Bus drivers became as much a part of park heritage as the buses themselves. Affectionately called "jammers" for all the gear jamming of the old style manual transmissions required to navigate "Sun Road," they were the Park's voice, educating visitors about park history, flora and fauna.

The restoration of the Glacier Red Bus is just the first in a series of innovative transportation alternatives to emerge from the public-private partnership between the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation and Ford Motor Company. Working with National Park Service staff, Ford will help address Park congestion issues with solutions such as alternative transportation systems, advanced technologies and environmental education.

"Ford Motor Company is truly our partner, bringing us both their technological know- how and their deep love of America's National Parks," said Jim Maddy, President of the National Park Foundation, the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service.

About the National Park Service The National Park Service is composed of more than 20,000 rangers, archaeologists, historians, biologists, architects, laborers, gardeners and other professionals who care for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

About the National Park Foundation The National Park Foundation (NPF) honors, enriches, and expands the legacy of private philanthropy that helped create and continues to sustain America's National Parks. NPF is the official nonprofit partner of the National Park Service.

About Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company is the world's second largest automotive company. Ford has manufacturing, assembly or sales operations in more than 30 countries worldwide. Ford brands include: Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, Jaguar, Volvo, Aston Martin, Land Rover and Mazda. Its cars and trucks are distributed through a network of more than 10,500 dealers in more than 200 countries and territories spanning six continents. Ford's international network of people and production facilities includes more than 370,000 employees in plants, testing, research and development facilities and offices worldwide. Ford Motor Company is committed to being an environmentally responsible company and a leading contributor in providing sustainable environmental solutions. Ford Motor Company is dedicated to protecting and preserving the environment for future generations.

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National Park Foundation

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