Blue Bird Releases Propane Autogas Bus Savings Case Study

Last week, Blue Bird Buses and ROUSH CleanTech, which produces propane autogas fuel systems and tanks, released a case study on propane autogas buses in use in Washingtonville Central School District (WCSD), which helps show just how much propane fueled buses are able to save school district bus fleets.

The study shows that WCSD, located in Orange County, New York, saved significant amounts through the usage of propane buses. When the district decided to purchase the buses, the district discovered prone autogas buses were approximately 9 percent more expensive than the equivalent diesel-powered buses.

Rather than opt for the cheaper option, WCSD decided to go ahead with the purchase of the autogas buses, but they made it a specific goal to recoup the costs within one school year.

By the end of the school year, the district saw the extra cost of the buses was absolutely covered by savings in fuel and maintenance costs. Fuel savings totaled up to $21,000 for the autogas fleet, bringing the cost per gallon down by nearly 50 percent. The overall cost of maintenance was also down around 30 percent.

After being so impressed by the savings and performance of the propane autogas buses, the district has already ordered another nine new autogas buses, and they have said they hope to entirely convert to propane in the eventual future.