Clarksville-Montgomery Schools Boasts Largest Propane School Bus Fleet in Tennessee

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System in Tennessee has launched 15 new propane-powered Type C school buses that began transporting students Aug. 7, 2017, making it the largest alt-fuel school bus fleet in Tennessee. A launch ceremony was held at Montgomery Central High School in July and showcased several of the new buses. The vehicles were partially funded through a Reduced Diesel Emissions for a Healthier Tennessee grant that Tennessee Clean Fuels (TNCleanFuels) manages for the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation.

The event marked another step in the school system’s quest to drive down bus maintenance costs, increase fuel cost savings, and to model cleaner, feasible, and cost-effective student transportation options that are more environmentally friendly and less costly than diesel.

School system vehicle maintenance manager Ricky Phillips did much of the legwork to acquire the buses, beginning with the purchase of the first propane bus, manufactured by Blue Bird Corp., in 2014. “We bought the first one to see how it would compare to our diesels, which have been increasing our bus maintenance costs,” Phillips said. “That first bus worked without any issues and showed us that not only can propane work as an engine fuel on larger vehicles like a school bus, but reduce our bus maintenance costs by over 50% from $0.36/mile-bus to $0.16/mile-bus. It went so well that we are looking to further expand the fleet and we are happy to finally be getting these additional 15 buses on the road.”

Jonathan Overly, executive director of TNCleanFuels, noted, “Propane is growing in use in Tennessee because of its low incremental or system costs and the low cost of propane right now, which is averaging about $1.50 a gallon nationally. When you factor in its wide availability and the maintenance cost savings—especially as compared to diesel—it is easy to see why the fuel is gaining a foothold here.” Millard House, director of the Clarksville- Montgomery County School System, added, “The health and well-being of our children is paramount for us, so we see the move to propane school buses as something that can truly be a win-win for us by reducing emissions and costs at the same time.”

(Photo courtesy: Tennessee Clean Fuels)