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Propane Fuel Buses : School Districts Turning To Them

When we talk about buses running on alternative fuels like propane, most people assume it is a DIY type system that is rigged upon an old bus. They couldn’t be further from the truth.

Buses are steadily accepting alternative fuel systems on a large-scale level, and modern propane buses are anything but jury-rigged. Major manufacturers such as Blue Bird are producing propane-fueled buses, and some of the largest school districts in the country are integrating propane buses into their fleets.

In fact, the sixth-largest school district in the United States, Broward County Public Schools, recently sent out a press release announcing they would be purchasing 98 propane autogas school buses. The new vehicles include Blue Bird vision and Micro Bird buses built with Roush CleanTech fuel systems.

According to the press release, this will be the largest single order a school district has made for autogas buses yet, and the school expects to make a return on its investment within six months. Each bus is expected to travel about 17,000 miles a year.

 

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Buses and Propane Fuel

Photo Courtesy of Jessie Eastland
Photo Courtesy of Jessie Eastland

Last week we wrote about buses that rely on electricity rather than traditional fuels, but I only touched on other alternative fuel options that have already been proven to have a huge benefit for bus owners across the country. While propane-powered school buses might not be as environmentally friendly as all-electric buses, it offers similar savings with better performance.

One school district in Kentucky has been using one of these propane-powered buses for the last six months and they are already seeing the benefits the school bus offers. The Crittenden County School District is even already saving to add more to their fleet.

The bus carries around 40 students on a daily basis, and everyone who has used the bus already seems to love it.

“The driver loves the bus. It is very powerful. The engine has some good horsepower that it puts out. It’s faster acceleration than the diesel buses,” lead bus mechanic Wayne Winters told journalist Julie Collins.

The positive sentiments aren’t unwarranted either. The standard diesel bus used by most schools across the country averages 6.82 miles per gallon while the propane bus averages 4.63 miles per gallon. But, the propane-powered bus is less expensive to fill up. It costs the district $0.55 a mile to run the diesel school bus, while the propane bus only costs $0.22 a mile.

According to district superintendent Dr. Rachel Yarbrough, “There’s a savings of more than $5,000 a year.”

You don’t have to be tied down by gas prices. The fuel your vehicle relies on is up to you. While diesel is more available across the country, propane can save you money. Before you invest in a bus or add to your fleet, consider what benefits you the most and go from there.
 

Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM
Website: https://americanbussales.net/
Phone: 1-866-574-9970
Address: 12802 North 103rd E Ave, Collinsville, OK 74012