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The School District of Philadelphia, the largest school district in Pennsylvania, has begun a groundbreaking initiative to create a cleaner, healthier future for its students and community. In a move that strengthens its role as a leader in sustainable student transportation, the district added 38 autogas school buses to its fleet.
“We are excited to be leading the way here in Philadelphia as we grow our low-emission school bus fleet and create a healthier environment for our students, drivers, and the community-at-large,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “Together, we continue to turn our compelling vision of clean student transportation into reality.”
The Benefits of Propane Buses
One of the most important reasons that led the School District of Philadelphia to purchase propane autogas buses is their environmental benefits. The school district’s Type-C propane autogas buses produce fewer full-fuel-cycle greenhouse gas emissions each year than school buses fueled by diesel or gasoline.
The district’s propane autogas Blue Bird buses will reduce emissions significantly compared with their diesel counterparts. In real-world testing, ROUSH CleanTech’s ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) engines produced 94% fewer NOx emissions than clean diesel alternatives and virtually eliminated particulate matter. According to the EPA, those pollutants can worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis and can cause children to miss school. The study revealed that in real-world applications of stop-and-go bus driving, diesel NOx emissions are 34 times higher than with propane autogas. According to Adams 12 Five Star School District Sustainability report, propane school buses produce seven percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than diesel-fueled school buses on a lifecycle basis.
The school district’s Blue Bird Vision Propane school buses are equipped with 7.3L V8 Ford engines that have ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel systems. These engines are certified to the optional ultra-low nitrogen oxide (NOx) level of 0.02 grams per brake horsepower-hour, which is 90 percent cleaner than EPA’s most stringent heavy-duty engine standard and 99 percent cleaner than diesel buses built before 2007.
According to a 2019 West Virginia University study, propane school buses, like the ones operated by the School District of Philadelphia, reduce NOx by at least 60 percent.
The school district’s propane autogas buses are not only environmentally friendly, but they are also cost-effective. Propane autogas offers the lowest total cost of ownership among fuel options, with annual fuel and maintenance savings of up to $3,700 per bus compared with diesel models. Over a 15-year lifespan, the district’s fleet of 38 buses is projected to save more than $2.1 million. Superintendent Watlington said that this amount equates to the hiring of 20 classroom teachers, including salary and benefits. “Every dollar we can save on the operations side, we can reinvest in teachers who are the number one factors in improving student academic growth,” he said.
State-of-the-Art Refueling Infrastructure
To support its new propane fleet, the School District of Philadelphia installed onsite refueling infrastructure with an 18,000-gallon tank at its Shallcross School Bus Garage. Installing infrastructure for propane autogas fueling is a cost-effective option compared to other fueling station choices, such as gasoline and diesel.
On-site propane autogas infrastructure is customizable and scalable to meet the demands of any fleet. Most fleet owners choose to install a private station in a centralized location for added convenience. A propane or infrastructure supplier will work with fleet managers to determine the proper tank size, number of dispensers, and additional infrastructure requirements needed for their operations. Whether operating one or several hundred propane autogas vehicles, there is an affordable solution for any fleet.
Many propane autogas suppliers will also lease propane autogas refueling infrastructure to fleet owners in exchange for a mutually beneficial fuel contract. Because propane autogas is widely available across the U.S., fleet owners looking to make the switch may work with a local propane supplier who can help them select and install affordable refueling infrastructure and develop a fuel contract to fit their needs.
Fueling with propane autogas helps the school district’s employees avoid spills commonly associated with diesel fueling. Unlike gasoline or diesel, propane autogas operates within a closed-loop system, minimizing the risk of spills. Additionally, there is no lingering diesel odor on clothes and hands. Fueling the district’s buses with propane autogas is also efficient, at a rate of 10 to 12 gallons per minute.
A National Example in Clean Transportation
School buses that run on propane autogas are making a big impact across the country. Including the School District of Philadelphia, more than 1,000 propane autogas school buses operate in Pennsylvania, contributing to the state’s commitment to reducing transportation emissions. Nationwide, more than 22,000 propane autogas school buses transport 1.3 million students daily.
“At the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), we believe that every child deserves a safe, clean, healthy ride to school,” said Bridget Kidd, COO of PERC. “The School District of Philadelphia is showing true leadership by choosing propane autogas as a clean energy solution and providing that ideal ride. By adopting this innovative technology, the district is setting an example for others across the country.”
By embracing propane autogas, the school district is not only investing in buses, but also in the future health of its students and community. Its leadership paves the way for other school districts to explore innovative, clean transportation solutions that improve the health of the community as well as the health of the district’s budget.
“Propane autogas is the future of clean school transportation,” said Superintendent Watlington. “We are proud to lead by example and hope other districts will join us in creating a healthier, more sustainable world.”
