From the Desk of Steve Whaley

Theresa Fleming Named STN Transportation Director of the Year

I first met Theresa Fleming just over 15 months ago. She was one of several hundred transportation directors in the room at a conference general session where I was making the case to convert school bus fleets from diesel to propane.

She was intrigued to learn that propane buses offer many of the same environmental benefits of electric — but at a fraction of the cost. And that propane is cleaner than diesel, cheaper, performs just as well, and features a plentiful supply.

Tasked with transporting 113,000 students per day across the vast Philadelphia Public School system, the accomplished South Carolina native listened attentively as I answered her detailed, thorough questions about propane’s performance, cost and environmental impact.

She told me her district had already started transitioning away from dirty diesels with the purchase of 21 electric models the previous two years. The capabilities and limitations of those EV buses, coupled with what she learned about propane, has convinced her to diversify her plan to upgrade the fleet. She now has an order of 38 propane models due to arrive in January 2024.

Next month, Theresa will be recognized as the Student Transportation News’ Transportation Director of the Year. I plan to be at the event in proud support of my friend’s well-earned honor.