How Propane Buses are Powering Schools
The school bus is one of the most iconic references to education in the United States. Especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania, districts have bus rides starting at 5:30 AM to get kids to school for 8 AM classes. Depending on the size of the district and how many kids use the bus, there could be hundreds of busses per district. With the average bus holding 60 to 100 gallons of fuel, at today’s gas prices one fill-up of petroleum gas could cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Fortunately, propane buses are being used more and more by school districts trying to stretch their dollars.
Propane Buses Powering Education
School districts of all sizes are taking the leap to switch to propane-powered buses. So far, over 15,000 propane school buses are in operation nationwide in over 800 school districts. Here in the Keystone State, 71 districts already have 1,160 propane-powered buses in operation. Currently, 48 states now have propane-powered school buses in operation. Here are the Top Ten Propane Powered Buses using states:
- Texas (3,000)
- California (1,905)
- Pennsylvania (1,160)
- Oregon (1,010)
- Wisconsin (895)
- Minnesota (718)
- Florida (683)
- New York (681)
- Illinois (649)
- Ohio (634)
Why are School Districts Shifting Towards Propane Powered Buses Over Petroleum Buses?
Less Environmental Impact
Propane autogas buses can reduce up to 96 percent nitrous oxide emissions as compared to a traditional diesel bus. Propane is also one of the most clean-burning fuels available. It also releases very little carbon or other harmful pollutants into the air.
More Affordable
Although oil prices fluctuate, propane is consistently less than diesel fuel and gasoline by as much as 50%! However, districts see the biggest savings on their maintenance costs. Propane doesn’t require expensive engine fluids or filters, like diesel buses. Diesel buses also require more oil and need regular diesel particulate filter (DPF) cleanings.
Safety for Students
Propane provides a clean emissions profile compared with diesel and gasoline alternatives, and its exhaust does not emit any of the known carcinogens that can be harmful to children. It also runs more quietly than a diesel bus – allowing drivers to be more alert to what is going on inside the vehicle.
Findings reveal that propane has the lowest cost of ownership and that savings could mean more teachers and more extracurricular activities for students. Switching to propane also means that very limited changes to infrastructure will need to be made. There is no need to modify garages or repair facilities. More school districts across the country are lining up to make the switch because it’s sake, quiet and healthier for students that ride the bus. In conclusion, propane is abundant in the United States. It is a form of fossil fuel and created during the process of refining natural gas, meaning it’s far less environmentally disruptive to acquire compared to gasoline and diesel, This will keep propane (and natural gas) prices low for decades to come, at the least.
This is just one of the many ways propane can power your life. Whether you’re using propane for commercial applications such as poultry heating, or residential applications such as indoor heating, Keystone Propane is here for you. Contact us now for more information about how Keystone Propane can power your life.