Propane-powered Buses Good for the Environment and Budget

Most people can’t tell from simply glancing at one as it passes down the road, but propane auto-gas school buses are becoming increasingly popular in communities across the country. Today, there are more than 11,000 propane school buses operating in the United States. Johnson School Bus Company's Beaver Dam location is adjacent to United Cooperative headquarters. United Cooperative installed a propane fueling pump so the 25 school buses housed at this location could fill up quickly and efficiently.

Propane-powered school buses look just like traditional gasoline - or diesel-powered buses. But the difference in the fuel can save school districts thousands of dollars in expenses annually, beyond just the more affordable cost per gallon.

Propane is a clean-burning fuel, which means school districts can expect to see lower overall emissions after purchasing propane school buses. These vehicles need less time to warm up, which also helps with maintaining better air quality. Other safety benefits include a quieter engine, which allows drivers to better hear what’s happening on and off the bus.

Propane school buses are also more likely to start on bitterly cold mornings and require less time to warm-up prior to driving, which is important for school buses serving northern climates such as ours. In fact, Blue Bird – a manufacturer of propane-powered school buses – says the propane engines can start in temperatures as low as -50 F. (At which point the children should stay home!)

Johnson School Bus Company has been using propane-powered school buses for four years. At United Cooperative, we like to help businesses with their energy needs. If you have a fleet that needs a special fuel, give us a call.
 

Bill Herbst

Vice President - Energy