Wilson School District (Berks County, Pennsylvania) celebrated the arrival of seven new propane-powered buses on January 27. This was the first delivery of many as it plans to convert its entire 63-vehicle fleet in the coming years.
The buses are quieter, more efficient and cost less to maintain. Randy S. Williams, the district’s transportation director, notes that the new buses will cost about 13 cents per mile to operate, compared to 20 cents per mile for diesel. In addition, propane-powered buses generate far less pollution than diesel.
“We’re happy to be going green and contributing to the betterment of the environment,” Williams said.
In addition, Wilson School District will have on-site propane infrastructure, which will save time fueling and put the district in control of its own propane supply.
E.G. Smith, a Rhoads Energy company, is serving as Wilson’s propane autogas supplier. Rhoads Energy has spent the past few years consulting with Wilson on its transition to cleaner, more efficient propane.
