ANALYSIS
Safe, Sustainable Student Transportation Buses fueled by propane autogas provide solutions for districts beyond available financial incentives
Te advantages of alternatively-fueled fleet vehicles are top of mind for fleet operators today. Rising By Brian Feehan
fuel prices this spring, along with directives to be more operationally and environmentally efficient, have prompted many questions. Some were answered by President Obama’s National Clean Fleet Partnership announcement this spring, encouraging the use of clean, domestic energy. Federal incentives have allowed fleets to adopt alternatively-fueled vehicles, including school buses, but some are wondering if they will be able to afford these vehicles if incentives expire. Te good news is that buses fueled by propane autogas offer advantages allowing these vehicles to oper-
ate effectively with or without incentives. Te latest technology is featured in new models, with cost savings coming from multiple areas, including the fact that propane autogas burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel, lengthening engine life. In other words, buses fueled by propane autogas are a viable option for fleet opera- tors and districts looking for safe, sustainable and high-performing buses. Contacting bus manufacturers, propane providers and the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) to learn more just makes sense. Propane autogas is the nation’s third most-common fuel after gasoline and diesel, and the leading alter-
native vehicle fuel. It fuels more than 270,000 vehicles in the United States today, according to the Energy Department. Worldwide, the number of vehicles fueled by propane autogas is more than 15 million. Te development of cost-effective technology has made propane autogas school buses a practical choice.
Tese buses provide a safe ride for students, as propane autogas has the lowest flammability range of all alter- native fuels. Tey also are easy to refuel, with multiple types of on-site infrastructure available. On-site fueling stations are compact and easy to install, with costs comparable to installing a gasoline or diesel refueling station. Federal tax credits are currently available for up to 30 percent of the cost of installing on-site fueling
equipment. Tis amount cannot exceed $30,000 and must be in service before Dec. 31, 2011. Tousands of off-site refueling stations are also an option. Five years ago, the propane industry added the Engine Fuel Advisory Committee within PERC to support
research and development of vehicles fueled by propane autogas. To ensure PERC understood industry needs, an initial overview of the U.S. propane autogas market was undertaken, and market research with fleet managers conducted. Based on the feedback, a comprehensive approach to market development was established includ- ing targeted product development, infrastructure expansion, outreach and training, and industry engagement. Since that initial overview, several leading manufacturers collaborated with well-known automakers to
develop buses using liquid propane autogas injection systems. Models are now available from industry leaders like Blue Bird Corporation, with Type A and Type C buses, and Collins Bus Corporation, with Type A buses. Tomas Built Buses plans full production of the bus fueled by propane autogas in 2013. Te Energy Department has supported PERC initiatives. Te Clean Air Act of 1990 has long recognized
propane autogas as an alternative fuel and uniquely domestic source, as 90 percent of propane is produced in the U.S. Te department also has supported infrastructure expansion, workshop training and grants for vehicle development, among other incentives. Tese initiatives have helped spread the reach of propane autogas, resulting in successful adoption by school districts and other large fleets across the country. Government incentives support adoption of buses fueled by propane autogas and create new oppor-
Feehan is the vice president of the Propane Education & Research Council, which promotes the safe, efficient use of odorized propane gas as a preferred energy source. PERC can be found online at
www.autogasusa.org.
tunities in the market. In addition, PERC and the propane industry have taken steps to develop a strong market that provides cost savings in many other ways, making incentives less necessary. Propane autogas burns cleaner in engines than gasoline and diesel, which traditionally results in longer
engine life and reduced maintenance costs. Historical data also supports the lower cost of propane autogas compared with other fuels. A local propane provider can help district transportation managers assess the savings potential of buses fueled by propane autogas. PERC has taken proactive steps to establish the propane autogas market for sustainable growth and
provide a solution to fleet managers seeking alternative options. Tose efforts have just begun. PERC is in- creasing the amount of training available for propane providers and fleet managers, and through continued outreach, with the goal to introduce more school district transportation managers to these high-perform- ing, sustainable vehicles. ■
72 School Transportation News Magazine July 2011
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