ROUSH's First Propane School Bus: A Decade Later

The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County continues to operate the first ROUSH CleanTech propane-powered Blue Bird Vision bus, still running strong more than a decade after its debut.

News/Media Release

Read News/Media's Posts

October 28, 2025

A Blue Bird Vision propane school bus operated by the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, featuring exterior graphics of students and the slogan “Great Futures Start Here,” parked in a Florida lot. — The 2012 model-year bus has 65,000 miles on it and is being used by the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County, Florida.
Photo: ROUSH CleanTech

2 min to read

The Boys and Girls Club of Martin County (BGC) in Florida continues to demonstrate the long-term reliability and value of propane-powered school buses by operating the original Blue Bird Vision bus equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. The bus has been in daily service since 2014.

“Our decision to invest in propane technology stemmed from our commitment to environmental responsibility and economic efficiency,” said David Jones, facility manager for the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County. “The first propane bus we purchased in 2014 has been a dependable part of our operation, helping us transport students safely and sustainably.”

Propane Buses Support Daily Student Transportation

The 2012 model year Blue Bird Vision propane bus, originally used as a demonstration vehicle by Florida Transportation Systems (FTS), has logged about 65,000 miles while maintaining consistent performance. Based on its success, BGC purchased a second propane bus in 2015.

Both buses serve daily routes, transporting up to 70 students per trip from local schools to club facilities across Martin County. Routine maintenance follows standard service procedures, with mechanical work handled by FTS. Propane fuel is supplied on-site through a contract with Palmdale Como.

Propane Technology Shows Proven Durability

“Since ROUSH CleanTech began 15 years ago, our focus has been on providing safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible propane systems for school buses,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech. “The continued operation of the Boys and Girls Club’s buses shows how durable and cost-effective this technology can be.”

Broader Impact Across North America

Including this first propane-powered bus off the production line, more than 23,000 propane school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech fuel systems are now in operation across North America. According to the company, these vehicles save districts and operators more than $100 million annually in fuel costs while cutting harmful emissions for students, drivers, and surrounding communities.

Topics:Blue Bird ROUSH CleanTech propane school buses Alternative Fuels

More Alternative Fuels

Front view of an IC Bus next generation electric CE Series bus driving on a suburban street.

Alternative Fuels•by Elora Haynes•February 27, 2026

EPA Revamps Clean School Bus Program, 2024 Rebates Halted

The EPA will open a 45-day comment period and is planning a March 3 webinar as it reshapes Clean School Bus funding for 2026.

An orange and yellow graphic with a black and white image of InCharge Energy employees working on the management system platform.

Alternative Fuels•by Elora Haynes•February 23, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Funding Boosts & Charging Innovations

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric bus and charging deployments, new funding opportunities, and a new management system.

School Bus Fleet graphic with green theme and moss sphere image, headline “Greenhouse Gas Standards Update,” subhead “EPA Officially Repeals 2009 Endangerment Finding,” and photo of a yellow school bus driving away.

Alternative Fuels•by Staff and News Reports•February 18, 2026

EPA Officially Rolls Back Federal GHG Standards

The federal administration called its 2009 Endangerment Finding rescission "the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history." It eliminates greenhouse gas emission standards for all vehicles and engines for model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond.

An orgnge, white, and black graphic with a black and white image ofpropane school buses.

Alternative Fuels•by Elora Haynes•January 30, 2026

Alt-Fuel Moves: Product Innovations & Funding Outlooks

Check out some of the latest moves where alternative fuels and school buses intersect, including electric and propane bus deployments, new EV products, and an update from CARB.

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Keeping buses safe, reliable, and on schedule requires more than manual processes. This eBook explores how modern fleet software supports school transportation teams with automated maintenance scheduling, smarter video safety tools, and integrated data systems. Discover practical ways fleets are reducing breakdowns, improving safety, and saving valuable staff time.