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Propane autogas is transforming how transit organizations reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. Transitioning to this clean-operating fuel allows both public and private entities running paratransit buses to cut emissions and save on costs.
Thanks to propane autogas’s versatility, fleets can switch to this alternative fuel without losing reliability, range or performance. The required infrastructure is affordable and scalable, making it accessible regardless of fleet size.
Delaware Transit Corp. operates 258 propane paratransit buses, aiming for a 100% propane fleet by 2030. Its first five propane-fueled buses collectively traveled 450,000 miles with no fuel system-related failures and the agency saved $15,000 in fuel costs alone.
“That, combined with the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, made it an easy decision to expand the propane program with our new private fuel stations and the expansion of the propane fleet,” said Delaware Transit CEO John T. Sisson.
A Cleaner Path Forward
Propane autogas paratransit buses lower an organization’s carbon footprint due to their clean operation; propane engines today have emissions that are 90% cleaner than the Environmental Protection Agency’s standards.
Each of Delaware Transit’s propane autogas paratransit buses uses about 7,275 gallons of propane autogas annually, saving about 6,250 gallons of gasoline. Plus, each bus produces 91,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over its lifetime compared to gasoline models. Propane autogas cuts greenhouse gases by up to 22% and reduces carbon monoxide by 60%, with fewer particulate emissions than gasoline.
The Road to Cost-Savings
Along with environmental advantages, transit organizations that adopt propane autogas significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs. On average, propane autogas is 40% cheaper than gasoline and 50% cheaper than diesel. Propane autogas burns cleaner in engines than gasoline and diesel, which can result in longer engine life.
Delaware Transit pays about 50% less per gallon of propane compared to gasoline. The agency’s propane autogas paratransit bus fleet achieves a 36% reduction in cost per mile — 19 cents for propane buses versus 30 cents for gasoline buses.
Furthermore, the average total cost of ownership for fleets of medium-duty propane autogas vehicles is lower in most cases than the total cost of ownership for comparable electric vehicle fleets.
Proven Technology
Over 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are in service today, including more than 7,000 providing paratransit services, operating in both urban and rural settings.
Transit agencies can purchase Altoona-tested propane autogas vehicles using Federal Transit Administration funds. One such vehicle is the ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 bus, which has passed the FTA’s New Model Bus Testing Program (Altoona Testing) and is certified for sale in all 50 states by the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency.
Propane autogas provides fleet managers with the reliability and accessibility they need to keep paratransit buses running smoothly. Unlike other alternative fuels, propane autogas allows quick and easy fueling without recharging or range limitations.
Streamlined Fueling and Infrastructure
Switching to propane autogas is straightforward and often requires no major changes to existing maintenance facilities. Propane autogas integration is simple, allowing fleets to focus on reliable transportation services without the complexities of infrastructure modifications for these facilities. Existing diesel- and gasoline-compliant buildings are typically suitable for housing propane autogas buses, saving time and money on facility upgrades. Local authorities should always be consulted to ensure full code compliance.
For fueling, propane infrastructure options are flexible, from permanent on-site fuel stations to temporary or mobile solutions. This adaptability lets organizations select the best setup for their garaging requirements and traffic flow. The Environmental Protection Agency classifies propane autogas as a non-contaminant, allowing infrastructure installation in areas where other fuels may not be permitted.
Delaware Transit has private fueling infrastructure, including two conveniently located stations for easy fleet access. The agency partnered with Sharp Energy for its propane infrastructure and fuel.
“As we expand our autogas fueling station infrastructure, we can provide greater access to this low-cost, domestically produced fuel,” said Bob Zola, president of Sharp Energy, which also provides maintenance support for Delaware Transit’s paratransit buses.
Partnering with local propane suppliers ensures that fueling setups are optimized. Convenience and local supplier contracts further enhance the benefits of propane fueling. Fleets can often explore low-cost options, reducing investment costs. For some organizations, using a nearby public station is a viable option, as there are over 2,300 public propane autogas fueling stations in the United States, with stations in nearly every state.
Learn more about how propane autogas is driving clean transportation.
