Propane autogas is budget-friendly, clean, and safe — all while delivering the performance you need.
DOLLARS AND SENSE
Buses powered by propane autogas are providing long-term savings for school districts and private contractors alike as school transportation budgets continue to shrink. Conventional and other alternative fuels stop short of delivering the same benefits.
HIGH-VALUE FUEL
The cost of operation per mile with propane autogas is lower than gasoline or diesel. And, when you take advantage of potential government tax incentives, the payback period on propane autogas is even shorter.
LOWER MAINTENANCE COSTS
Thanks to the dependable, clean-burning performance of propane autogas in school buses, school districts and private contractors will enjoy lower maintenance costs. Propane autogas engines require less oil by volume than diesel, no additional filters, and no costly emission fluids, leaving more dollars to be spent in the classroom, and less on the way there and back.
AFFORDABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
Propane autogas providers specialize in helping schools choose the right refueling option for their situation, which may include a standard or advanced on-site refueling infrastructure plan. Either option offers convenience for fleets needing a central refueling station.
FEDERAL AND STATE INCENTIVES
For more information about incentives, laws, regulations, and programs related to propane autogas, visit propane.com/on-road-fleets.
PERFORMANCE THAT PASSES THE TEST
THE BUSES
School districts can choose from a selection of Type A and Type C propane autogas buses developed by industry-leading manufacturers. These include the Blue Bird Type A Micro Bird and Type C Vision in partnership with Ford and Roush CleanTech. Collins offers the Type A NexBus and Thomas Built has the Type A Minotaur in partnership with General Motors and CleanFuel USA. The Thomas Built Type C Saf-T-Liner is also available in partnership with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp., Powertrain Integration, and CleanFuel USA. Finally, IC Bus offers the Type C CE in partnership with Power Solutions International, Inc.
These buses offer proven OEM-backed performance to school districts across the country, delivering capabilities comparable to conventionally-fueled models. In fact, Portland Public Schools reports its propane autogas buses run up to 30,000 miles longer than those fueled by gasoline.
THE REFUELING STATIONS
Refueling with propane autogas is quick, quiet, and safe. It’s the same experience as refueling with diesel or gasoline, making the transition easy for school districts.
“These financial savings allow us to spend much-needed funds on education, and reduce the amount of funds to keep our fleet operational.”
Jody Woolverton
Director of Transportation
PROSPER INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT
To transport over 2,800 student passengers annually, Prosper Independent School District relies on a 75-bus fleet, 68 of which are powered by propane autogas. After four years, its fuel savings compared with diesel are at least $200,000.
PORTLAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS (PPS)
For the past 30 years, PPS has set an alternative fuel example for schools nationwide. The district began running several buses on propane autogas in 1983, and, after finding it to be more cost-effective than conventional fuels, converted most of its remaining fleet. It has reaped the benefits. PPS recorded a 50 percent savings for its 2012 propane autogas purchases compared with those for gasoline.
“With all these advantages, propane autogas is clearly the way to go.”
Melvin Philbrook
Fleet Maintenance Supervisor
TIPPECANOE SCHOOL CORP. (TSC)
“From the information we’ve gathered so far for our report, we’re going in the right direction.”
Kevin Neafie
Former Transportation Director
Community members know their tax dollars are being well spent on TSC’s propane autogas-powered buses. Unreliable diesel fuel costs prompted Kevin Neafie, former transportation director, to seek an alternative fuel. Less than a year after purchasing five propane autogas buses, the district has saved more than $10,000 on fuel, and benefits even further from federal alternative tax credits, incentives, grants, and deductions.
A SAFE, SMOOTH RIDE
While managing a budget and choosing proven technology are critical, passenger safety is always your first priority. Powering buses with propane autogas is one way to cut costs without cutting corners. Propane autogas buses are crash tested for impact in the side and rear areas, meeting rigorous U.S. FMVSS and Canadian CMVSS motor vehicle safety standards.
INTERNAL DESIGN
Propane autogas fuel systems are designed to keep everyone safe. Any risk of autogas leaks (or pilferage) is minimal, thanks to a closed loop fuel system. Protective design features include critical valves that are strategically positioned away from potential damage, and an automatic fuel shut-off in the event of a fuel line rupture.
QUIETER
Propane autogas buses provide unmatched peace-of-mind for parents. Compared with diesel buses, propane autogas buses are noticeably quieter when operating. With significant noise on the bus eliminated, a driver can pay better attention to children in the rear of the bus — and the road ahead. Diesel cannot deliver a similar experience.
Put yourself in the driver’s seat by taking the quiz below. Can you hear what’s happening in or around the diesel bus?
NO MORE BLACK SMOKE
The World Health Organization and the Environmental Protection Agency have identified diesel engine exhaust as a carcinogen, which can cause short- and long-term health problems. With the emergence of alternative energy like propane autogas, however, the days of exposing young passengers to a black cloud of diesel exhaust are over. Propane autogas vehicles:
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 11 percent compared with gasoline light-duty vehicles — a reduction comparable to, and in some cases better than, emissions from compressed natural gas vehicles.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18 percent compared with gasoline heavy-duty vehicles.
- Will not expose students to harmful particulate matter found in diesel exhaust, which is known to escalate breathing-related issues and aggravate asthma.
- Are not subject to anti-idling restrictions due to their low-emissions status. Considering the facts, your opportunity to choose cleaner, affordable propane autogas is even more valuable.
ABUNDANT FUEL SUPPLY, RIGHT HERE
90 percent of U.S. propane supplies are produced domestically, supporting jobs at home. Choosing American-made propane autogas is healthier for passengers, the environment, and America’s energy security.
