Record-High 20,000 Propane Autogas School Buses in Use

News
According to new figures from the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), for the first time ever more than 20,000 propane autogas buses were at the ready in public and private school districts across the U.S. at the start of the 2020 school year. This is a 10% increase from 2019 vehicle numbers and it’s also the first full school year with propane autogas buses in use by more than 1000 school districts or contractors.

“It’s encouraging to know that more than 1000 districts from coast-to-coast are realizing just how clean, quiet, and affordable their fleet can be with propane autogas,” said Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development at PERC. “Propane’s benefits impact everyone: districts save money thanks to its lowest total cost-of-ownership, students have a cleaner and quieter ride to school, and the community reaps the benefits of propane’s low emissions. It’s no surprise districts are converting their entire fleets to propane autogas.”

The new data, compiled by PERC from IHS Polk new vehicle registration figures, shows autogas fueled school buses are being implemented on a national scale. Since 2012, there’s been a 960% growth in the number autogas school buses on the road in the U.S., marking a strong eight-year stretch for propane autogas in the school transportation market. The buses transport more than 1.23 million students in 48 states, and 14 states now have more than 500 propane autogas buses within their borders.
Propane autogas school buses are also succeeding with repeat purchases, according to the data. Some 63% of school districts with Type C propane fueled school buses adopt additional propane buses, outperforming other alternative fuels, including CNG and gasoline. Propane continues to be the most popular alternative fuel for the school bus industry.

For more information on propane autogas school buses, visit Propane.com/School-Transportation.

SOURCE: The Weekly Propane Newsletter, November 19, 2020. Weekly Propane Newsletter subscribers receive all the latest posted and spot prices from major terminals and refineries around the U.S. delivered to inboxes every week. Receive a center spread of posted prices with hundreds of postings updated each week, along with market analysis, insightful commentary, and much more not found elsewhere.

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