School Transportation

Propane autogas saves school districts money, so they can afford more of what impacts students the most.

Fueling a Brighter Future

Thousands of districts across the U.S. are adopting propane autogas for proven safety, reduced emissions, a lower cost of ownership, and greater savings—powering peace of mind for transportation officials and parents alike.

QUIETER OPERATION

The buses operate noticeably quieter than diesel for a safer ride. Plus, all propane autogas school buses meet U.S. FMVSS and Canadian CMVSS Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.

LOWER UPFRONT COSTS

Not only do clean propane school buses have a significantly lower purchase price than new electric buses, but the cost to build new autogas fueling stations is also lower than the cost of new grid-powered charging stations. Autogas refueling stations can even be mobile or temporary to accommodate growing districts.

SAVINGS THAT GO FURTHER

Propane autogas delivers the lowest total cost-of-ownership of any bus available, averaging just 63 cents per mile. Districts can apply those savings towards more teachers, classroom supplies, and extracurricular activities.

RELIABLE RANGE

Propane autogas buses can drive more than twice as far as electric buses — up to 300 miles per 67 gallon tank. And with propane, drivers of propane buses never have to worry about power outages or extreme weather conditions affecting battery life.

CLEANER NEIGHBORHOODS

With propane autogas buses, students aren't exposed to the emissions from older diesel buses that can aggravate asthma and cause other health issues. In fact, propane buses emit up to 96% less nitrogen oxide than diesel buses.

SMALLER CARBON FOOTPRINT

Since coal and natural gas are still the primary source energies for America’s electric grid, propane autogas buses have a lower average carbon intensity score than electric buses over the lifetime of the vehicle–by more than half!

LESS DOWN TIME TO FUEL

Propane autogas buses use quick-connect nozzles to refuel in about the same time as a diesel or gasoline engine: 5 to 6 minutes. But electric buses can take 6 to 8 hours to fully recharge.

HAPPIER DRIVERS

Operators of propane autogas school buses report higher job satisfaction. They enjoy driving a quieter bus, and don't have to bring home the noxious smell of exhaust.

LESS DOWN TIME TO REPAIR

Propane autogas engines are spark-ignited like gasoline engines, meaning less re-training for your fleet mechanics. Plus, replacement parts for propane autogas engines are inexpensive and readily available.

Key Resources

EPA Clean School Bus Program

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West Virginia University School Bus Emissions Study

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Propane Autogas Bus Use By State

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State Programs & Incentives

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The Autogas Refuel Enewsletter

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Propane Products

School Buses

Storage & Distribution

How Refueling Installation Works

See how fuel and infrastructure suppliers take your refueling setup from blueprint to final installation.

Propane School Buses Help Students Make the Grade

Propane-powered school buses eliminate harmful diesel exhaust while saving school districts money and delivering a healthier, quieter ride for students.

Transforming Schoolyards with Propane

Hear from Boston Public Schools again, two years after it adopted propane autogas buses. Now, just over 40 percent of its fleet runs on propane autogas.

Good for Students, Good for Business

This Chicago-area, family-owned bus contractor company shares why propane autogas works for its business and their clients.

Upgrading an Aging Fleet

Director of Transportation, Manuel Mendez, explains why his district decided to upgrade their fleet with propane autogas buses.

Proven Cold Weather Performance

Hear how propane autogas school buses are providing this district rock solid reliability on cold mornings.

Decades of Benefits

Hear from a district that has been using propane buses for 35 years and is currently saving $1.3 million on fuel annually.

Great for the District and Kids

School officials explain why the savings, quieter operation, and decreased emissions of propane buses are better for their district and students alike.

No More Black Smoke

Fleet and Compliance Manager, Peter Crossan, describes the immediate benefits propane autogas school buses have brought to the city of Boston and its students.

Easy Transition

Director of Transportation, Ron Latko, discusses how training for Mesa Public Schools' employees and the installation of the propane tanks went off like clockwork.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

CMS was the recipient of the Clean Energy Innovation Award for adopting 30 new propane autogas buses that provide better air quality for the students and environment, all while saving the district m
How Refueling Installation Works
Propane School Buses Help Students Make the Grade
Transforming Schoolyards with Propane
Good for Students, Good for Business
Upgrading an Aging Fleet
Proven Cold Weather Performance
Decades of Benefits
Great for the District and Kids
No More Black Smoke
Easy Transition
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

From the Autogas Refuel

The Autogas Refuel is a quarterly enewsletter tailored to transportation professionals interested in propane autogas. Subscribe to The Autogas Refuel for emissions news, propane autogas case studies, videos, and more. See All.

What's great about the propane exhaust is there is no detectable odor, there's no visible exhaust. Peter Crossan, Fleet and Compliance Manager, Boston Public Schools
It was a pleasure to be on that bus. It's easy to drive, it's very quiet, and in the winter time it's nice and warm. Pat Groll, Bus Driver/Trainer, Metropolitan School District of Warren Township

How to Get Started with Propane

Research refueling options

Your school district could have its own on-site refueling station, or take advantage of many other refueling solutions. Your propane supplier will help you decide what’s right for your situation. In the meantime, read up on propane autogas refueling options.

Find a propane supplier

Enter your zip code to find a nearby propane supplier. Do a little upfront research to see if they have experience serving school districts. Your propane supplier will help figure out which refueling solution is best for your district.

Consider state programs and incentives

Your district may be eligible to save more using federal and state-based incentive programs.

Find A Propane Supplier

To find a propane supplier near you, simply enter your zip code below. Your local propane supplier can help assess energy needs for homes and businesses, determine needed tank sizes, and answer questions about what makes propane a clean, safe, reliable and versatile fuel.

Didn’t Find What You’re Looking For? Check Our FAQs.

Where can I buy propane appliances?

Propane.com offers shopping guides for grills and patio heaters or contact your local propane supplier for suggestions nearby. Some propane suppliers offer appliance showrooms featuring everything from space and water heaters to kitchen appliances and fireplaces.

What do I do when my portable propane tank is empty?

When the propane tank you use for grilling or other outdoor appliances is empty, drop it off and purchase a full tank at one of thousands of tank exchanges nationwide. You’ll find them everywhere from hardware and rental stores to grocers, convenience stores, and gas stations. In addition, there are many propane cylinder refilling locations available across the country. Contact your local propane supplier for more information on refilling or exchanging cylinders.

Where can I find someone to service my propane appliances?

Your local propane supplier is an excellent source of information for things like propane appliance servicing and repairs. Contact them with your questions about servicing, repairing, or replacing propane appliances.