“We’ve been running propane buses for over a
decade and have found them to be quieter, less prone to cold weather start issues, having zero issues with fuel additives and after
treatment systems, and certainly more economical than their diesel counterparts,” she said. The use of propane began as part of
a pilot program and the transportation department has continued to build its fleet with propane through the years. One challenge has been the need for upgrades to handle the fueling process. “As the number of propane fueled
vehicles has increased on our lot, we found that we needed a much larger fueling station,” Marean noted. In response, the district installed a 17,000-gallon fueling station, making it the largest refueling location of its type in the state. The cost savings have been significant. For FY 2024, the district averaged about $0.19 per mile less for propane Type C school buses than with diesel before a federal rebate was applied, and $0.26 per mile less after accounting for the rebate. “What we’re doing is working very
well for our rural district at this time,” Marean said. “As technology continues to evolve, we will adjust and adapt as necessary, keeping in mind the need to be responsible stewards of our com- munity’s tax dollars.” Another fuel strategy is being pur-
sued at Eagle County School District in Eagle, Colorado, which operates a 29-bus fleet. “We added diesel displacement systems on 14 buses about a year ago in order to save money on fuel costs,” said Director of Transportation Christof Abraham.
School bus driver and trainer Marwan Alzarif fuels one of Ithaca City School District’s eight propane school buses. The New York district has 11 more propane on order and also operates 53 gasoline school buses and six electric school buses.
40 School Transportation News • JUNE 2025
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