Michigan School District's Routes to be Fueled Entirely By Propane

The Kingston, Michigan, Community School District will move to an all-propane school bus fleet when school starts this fall.

Propane Leads to Cost Savings, Harmful NOx Reduction, and Noise Level Reduction

The district has leased six new Blue Bird school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech propane engines. Additionally, the district locked in a two-year cost for propane at $1.50 per gallon. That amounts to a 62% savings over its diesel price.

“What a great way to start the new school year with our students and drivers breathing easier with low-emission buses fueled with propane. Our entire school district and our taxpayers benefit with lower fuel and maintenance expenses, too," Kingston Community School District Superintendent Shona Vennevy said.

Propane school buses reduce harmful nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 96%, according to a study by West Virginia University. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that exposure to NOx exhaust can have negative health effects on children and is a leading cause of asthma.

Propane buses also reduce noise levels by about 50% when compared to diesel.

“You can have a normal conversation with someone on the propane bus without having to holler over a diesel engine,” Vennevy added. “Plus, there will be less road noise in our community.”

According to the district, diesel buses have become more challenging to troubleshoot and repair as the legal requirements to make them run cleaner have expanded. Propane removes the complexity and cost of after-treatment measures since the clean fuel doesn’t require additional fluids or filters.

“Kingston Community School District is dedicated to providing students with a safe and healthy ride to school while ensuring that their budget stays healthy, too,” ROUSH CleanTech Executive Vice President Todd Mouw said.

Thare are over 18,000 school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s propane engines on the road today. More than 35% of the nation’s largest school districts operate propane school buses.

The new propane buses, leased from Holland Bus Company, will cover all daily routes. The district will keep three diesel buses as backup if additional buses are required to transport students.

Kingston Community School District serves about 630 students.