Propane Autogas Powers Paratransit Fleets
Reliable performance. Clean operation. On-demand readiness.
For paratransit fleets, every mile counts and every ride matters. Propane autogas delivers the dependable, low-emission performance your agency needs, with infrastructure ready to fuel your fleet today. As an American-made energy solution, it supports local communities while helping you meet sustainability and budget targets. With fast refueling, grid-independent service, and proven reliability, it’s the affordable, dependable choice that keeps your vehicles — and your riders — moving.
FTA Funding is Now Available for Propane Autogas
Recent updates from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) allow fleets that previously applied for “no-emission” funding to amend their applications to include “low-emission” — making propane autogas buses eligible for funding under the Low or No Emission Grant Program. It’s the perfect time to take advantage of new funding flexibility and bring the benefits of propane autogas to your fleet.
- Updated eligibility for propane autogas buses
- Reduced NOx and greenhouse emissions
- Minimal infrastructure upgrades for quicker turnaround
Ready to get started? Contact Your Regional FTA Office to amend your application today.
Questions? Contact Joel Stutheit at [email protected]
Fleet Success Stories
“When you can do something that helps you to make positive changes to the environment and saves you money, that’s something you ought to jump on. MTS will save about $5.8 million over the five to seven-year lifecycle of the vehicles and reduce the carbon intensity by 71 percent.”
Ron Roberts Vice Chairman, San Diego Metropolitan Transit System
How Propane Autogas Drives Success
LOWEST TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
Conventional fuels deliver conventional results: volatile fuel prices, complicated maintenance, and higher emissions rates. With propane autogas, your fleet saves money on fuel and maintenance spending while also lowering harmful emissions.
“With a propane fueling infrastructure, propane is most cost-effective alt fuel system. Our total net cost by switching to propane away from gasoline is about $9.8 million over the last 6 years, and that doesn’t include additional Florida incentives we received.”
— Paul Strobis
Director of Paratransit, Broward County Transit
PROVEN TECHNOLOGY
More than 60,000 propane autogas vehicles are on the road today, including 7,000+ providing paratransit services. Propane autogas is a widely used alternative in urban and rural communities alike, allowing fleets reliable access to fuel to run routes without having to worry about recharging or range restrictions.
“Our first five propane-fueled buses collectively traveled 450,000 miles with no fuel system-related failures, and 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 expansion of the propane fleet.”
— John T. Sisson
CEO, Delaware Transit Corporation
APPROPRIATE INFRASTRUCTURE
Propane infrastructure is affordable and scalable — including permanent, temporary, and mobile refueling solution options — all based on the size and needs of your fleet. Local propane suppliers can help develop detailed specifications, including traffic flow and garaging requirements. Propane autogas allows for more installation flexibility. In fact, the EPA classifies propane autogas as a non-contaminant of air, land, and water, meaning infrastructure can be installed in areas where other fuels cannot.
“It’s very low cost for propane infrastructure. Compared to CNG where you have to lay out millions for a fueling system, propane is in the tens of thousands of dollars. Our total net cost by switching to propane away from gasoline is about $9.8 million over the last 6 years, and that doesn’t include additional Florida incentives we received.”
— Paul Strobis
Director of Paratransit, Broward County Transit
STRAIGHTFORWARD MAINTENANCE
Transitioning to propane autogas is virtually seamless for maintenance crews. Other alternative fuels can require facilities to be modified with additional gas detection or ventilation equipment, costing you more money to make the switch. With propane autogas, you likely won’t need to modify your maintenance and garaging facilities, if your existing buildings are code compliant for diesel and gasoline. Make sure to check with your local authority having jurisdiction to make sure you are in compliance for your location.
“With autogas, we’re saving almost as much in preventative maintenance as we are with the fuel.”
— Edgar H. Benning
General Manager, Flint Mass Transportation Authority
CLEANER PERFORMANCE
Today’s engines are 90% cleaner than mandated EPA standards, with effectively zero particulate matter emissions. The latest propane autogas engine technology is classified as near-zero and has moved the fuel even closer to achieving zero emissions levels.
“We’re reducing emissions and saving money along the way; it’s a win-win.”
— Jill Drury
Director, Charlevoix County Transportation Authority
Reducing Emissions and Costs
Learn how these transportation companies are driving success with propane autogas.
