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Sept. 21-23, 2026 | Scottsdale, AZ

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Alternative Fuels

Alternative Fuels

Explore the fuels and powertrains moving school buses beyond diesel, including electric, propane, gasoline, natural gas, renewable fuels, and biofuels. Find fleet experiences, infrastructure guidance, cost considerations, and the latest vehicle developments.

School Bus Fleet graphic reading “Alt-Fuel Moves: Bidirectional Charging & Propane” alongside an electric school bus and charging station.

Alt-Fuel Moves: Electric Bus Rollouts, Bidirectional Charging & Propane Growth

See which fleets are adding electric and propane school buses as districts and operators invest in charging infrastructure, bidirectional technology, and alternative-fuel expansion.

EPA Opens $180M DERA Funding Round for Diesel Upgrades

School Bus Fleet graphic reading “When Fuel Prices Change the Math: What rising diesel costs mean for fleet planning,” illustrated with a fuel pump and oil barrels.

Nobody Told Diesel Prices They Were Supposed to Come Down

Yellow full-size school bus traveling along a tree-lined road beneath the words “Gas is Back!” in a School Bus Fleet graphic.

Why Gasoline School Buses Are Making a Comeback

News•by Thomas McMahon•April 28, 2016

Canadian Conference Covers Alt-Fuels, Technology for School Buses

Insights on fuel options, practical ideas for Wi-Fi on school buses, and an inspiring Olympian were among the standouts at the Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference.

News•by Staff•April 27, 2016

Safety Competition to Feature Propane School Buses

The 43rd Annual Montgomery-Bucks School Bus Safety Competition in Pennsylvania will use the alternative-fuel buses for the first time.

News•by Staff•April 25, 2016

Arizona School Bus Dealership Opens Bigger Facility, Adds Jobs

Canyon State Bus Sales’ new 27,500-square-foot facility enables the Blue Bird dealer to increase its staff by 15% immediately.

News•by Staff•April 20, 2016

Arizona District Adds 73 More Propane School Buses

Now 85% of Kyrene School District’s school bus fleet is composed of Blue Bird Vision Propane models.

Products•April 20, 2016

Datalink Adapter

INLINE 7, a wired and wireless datalink adapter, offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless connectivity while also providing traditional wired functionality via USB.

Products•April 15, 2016

Fuel-Saving App

The ThermoCall app now offers drivers the convenience of preheating their engine from a mobile phone, which can reduce idling and extend engine life, company officials said.

News•by Staff•April 14, 2016

Idaho District Launches Its First Propane School Bus

The new Blue Bird Vision Propane bus is expected to lower Grace School District’s operating costs while reducing environmental impact.

News•by Thomas McMahon•April 14, 2016

SBX Discussions Dig Into Driver Shortage, Stop-arm Running

The second edition of School Bus eXchange brings school bus operators and suppliers to Colorado to share solutions for key issues facing the industry.

Articles•by Thomas McMahon•April 13, 2016

Growing District Steps Up Driver Recruitment, Fleet Replacement

Elk Grove’s transportation department adds alt-fuel buses, boosts field trip service, and works to attract more drivers as the district prepares to build more schools.

News•by Thomas McMahon•April 8, 2016

Canadian Pupil Transportation Conference to Educate, Entertain Attendees

The biennial event will be held April 16 to 21 in Winnipeg. Sessions will cover such topics as Canadian standards, special needs, and alternative fuels.