New Mexico’s First Propane Buses Ready for School Year

In a partnership with the New Mexico Public Education Department, school districts in the state have purchased propane autogas buses for operation in the 2020-2021 school year. The 17 Blue Bird Vision models, the first propane buses to operate in the state, are going to the Los Lunas Public Schools, the Magdalena Municipal School District, and the Moriarty-Edgewood School District.

The districts stand to experience savings with the new buses. Autogas prices average 50% less than diesel and reduces maintenance costs and wear and tear on engines and components. “Our district has had to dip into operational monies to supplement our transportation costs over the last eight years,” said Teresa Salazar, superintendent of the Moriarty-Edgewood School District. “Adopting propane technology will be significantly cheaper in fuel and maintenance costs.”

Ryan Zic, vice president of school bus sales at Roush CleanTech, commented, “Districts get all the emission-reducing benefits while also saving costs so that budgets can go to educating students and paying teachers.”

The districts’ propane buses emit fewer total hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, and virtually eliminate particulate matter. Exposure to nitrogen oxide exhaust can have negative health effects on children and is a leading cause of asthma attacks, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Additional savings are available thanks to the extension of the federal alternative fuel excise credit, which covers propane at 36 cents/gal. and propane fueling equipment for up to $30,000 per property. Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust and diesel replacement funds can also help districts with propane bus purchases.

(SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, March 5, 2020. Subscribe for all the latest posted and spot prices from all major terminals and refineries around the U.S., market analysis and commentary delivered to inboxes weekly.)