Blue Bird launches online propane calculator
The calculator is tooled specifically for the bus market and evaluates the average annual cost of the Blue Bird Propane-Powered Vision school bus.
FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Blue Bird has launched a Propane Calculator that illustrates the savings available through utilizing propane technology versus traditional diesel fuel.
The propane calculator, tooled specifically for the bus market, evaluates variables such as the average cost of Blue Bird's Propane-Powered Vision school bus, annual mileage, and the cost of fuel against grants and tax incentives available with propane fuel. It also takes into account annual maintenance costs and loss from theft.
Currently, propane costs about $1.65 per gallon and offers a 50-cent per gallon tax rebate, while diesel currently costs approximately $2.62 per gallon on average and offers no rebates or incentives.
Also, the Propane-Powered Vision is 2010 EPA compliant and represents the industry's only large-bus propane offering.
The calculator is available at www.blue-bird.com/propanecalculator.
More Alternative Fuels
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.
Read More →
Nobody Told Diesel Prices They Were Supposed to Come Down
With diesel prices surging, school bus fleets have new reason to stress-test fuel costs, consider diversification, and calculate what each route really costs to operate.
Read More →
Why Gasoline School Buses Are Making a Comeback
Gasoline is gaining ground in full-size school buses. See how today’s options stack up against diesel on cost, maintenance, emissions, performance, and more.
Read More →
EPA Opens $180M DERA Funding Round for Diesel Upgrades
The 2026 Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program seeks applications from eligible organizations to accelerate the retirement of legacy diesel vehicles.
Read More →
The Secret Life of an Electric School Bus Battery
Batteries change throughout years of daily routes, but degradation doesn’t necessarily mean the end. Here’s what operators should know about performance, safety, and second life.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Alt-Fuel Moves: New Buses, Charging Hubs & Real-World EV Testing
Propane and electric school bus deployments continue to grow as districts add new vehicles, expand charging infrastructure, and gather more real-world operating data.
Read More →
Fewer Electric School Bus Models Reshape the U.S. Market
WRI’s latest buyer’s guide points to a consolidating electric school bus market, but fewer options may reflect a maturing industry rather than fewer meaningful choices for school bus operators.
Read More →
The Fuel Budget You Can Actually Predict: How Propane Autogas Keeps Money in the Classroom
Learn how propane autogas helps school districts manage fuel costs with predictable pricing, lower maintenance, and reduced emissions from former transportation director Joel Stutheit.
Read More →
Hendrickson, Driventic Introduce New Electric Powertrain for School Buses
ELECTRAAX, the electrified, lightweight drive axle offers integrated ePowertrain efficiency and modular flexibility for Class 6–7 school bus use.
Read More →