DeKalb County Schools Switch To Propane Autogas Buses

Cutting greenhouse gas emissions, a cleaner riding environment for students, and reduced maintenance costs for each unit were cited by the school district for the purchase of the new propane buses. On average, autogas costs up to 50% less than diesel fuel, and Blue Bird propane Vision buses start up in temperatures as low as minus 40°F, without needing to be plugged in or having a block heater installed. Another benefit of propane buses is that they are much quieter than their diesel counterparts, so the bus driver can hear the children on the bus and be more attentive. The buses also make less of an impact on neighborhoods.

“As the leader in propane, Blue Bird is committed to providing school districts with a reliable, innovative, and proven technology that is favorable to a district’s bottom line,” said Trey Jenkins, vice president of alternative fuels for Blue Bird Corp. “Like many districts, DeKalb Central United Schools did the research and realized that propane autogas is the best choice for reducing fuel and maintenance costs while providing cleaner air for the community. This is a great decision by DeKalb Central United Schools.”

While DeKalb Central United is the first school district in its area to purchase propane-powered buses, across the country hundreds of thousands of students are transported daily to school in buses operating on autogas. It is the most commonly used alternative fuel in the nation and worldwide. Vehicles fueled by autogas comply with the same safety standards as their conventionally fueled counterparts. “DeKalb Central United Schools is blazing the trail in Indiana with its commitment to making the switch to propane autogas-fueled school buses,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech. “By choosing this safe, abundant, and American-made fuel, school districts across the nation are slashing their operating costs and reducing their carbon footprint.”