North Carolina School System Welcomes 6 New Propane Autogas Buses

Onslow County Schools (Aug. 10, 2026) — Onslow County Schools (OCS) officially welcomed six new propane-fueled school buses to its transportation fleet Aug. 10, celebrating the investment with a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Southwest High School. District leaders were joined by representatives from ROUSH CleanTech, Blue Bird and Sharp Energy to mark the addition of the new buses, which will be based at Southwest High School and serve students in the surrounding area. 

As part of the transition to propane-powered transportation, OCS has also installed a new propane autogas fueling station at Southwest High School in partnership with Sharp Energy. The fueling station will support the district’s new propane buses, allowing them to be fueled on site at their home base while ensuring a dependable propane fuel supply. 

“Providing safe and dependable transportation for our students will always be a priority,” said Dr. Chris Barnes, superintendent of Onslow County Schools. “These new buses give us an opportunity to pair that commitment with technology that can help us operate more efficiently and reduce the environmental impact of our transportation fleet. We are excited to put these buses on the road serving OCS students.” 

“Propane school buses are a game-changer for communities like Onslow County,” said Tom Hopkins, business development manager for ROUSH CleanTech. “By lowering harmful emissions and improving air quality, these buses create a healthier environment for students, drivers and residents.” 

The new buses are manufactured by Blue Bird and utilize ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel systems. Together with the new on-site fueling station developed in partnership with Sharp Energy, the project provides Onslow County Schools with a complete propane transportation solution that supports safe, reliable and efficient student transportation. Propane-powered school buses provide performance comparable to conventional school buses while reducing certain emissions associated with diesel-powered vehicles. 

Blue Bird has deployed more than 22,000 propane school buses in more than 1,100 school districts across North America. Each bus uses a Ford 7.3-liter V8 engine paired with a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. The combination is designed to provide the horsepower and torque needed for daily school transportation while offering an alternative to traditional diesel fuel. Propane autogas can also offer environmental benefits compared with conventional diesel. 

According to information provided by ROUSH CleanTech, propane vehicles reduce smog-producing emissions and substantially lower nitrogen oxide emissions compared with diesel-powered vehicles. The six buses and new fueling infrastructure represent the district’s latest effort to explore transportation solutions that balance student safety, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. 

The new propane buses will begin transporting students during the 2026-2027 school year.