AUBURN, Ind. — Three new school buses fueled by propane autogas will be in operation for the 2015-16 school year in the DeKalb County Central United School District.

The district will replace 12-year-old diesel buses with new Blue Bird Propane Vision buses.

“In a time of diminishing resources, we strive to be as innovative and energy efficient as possible,” Superintendent Dr. Sherry Grate said. “After researching the data regarding the incorporation of propane autogas fueled school buses into our fleet, a very deliberate decision was made to pursue this opportunity.”

In purchasing propane school buses, the district cited such benefits as cutting greenhouse gas emissions, a cleaner riding environment for students and reduced maintenance costs for each unit.

“Like many districts, DeKalb Central United Schools did the research and realized that propane autogas is the best choice for reducing fuel and maintenance costs while providing cleaner air for the community,” said Trey Jenkins, vice president of alternative fuels for Blue Bird.

The district purchased the Type C school buses from MacAllister Transportation, Indiana’s Blue Bird dealer. Each bus is equipped with a ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas fuel system.

DeKalb Central United is reportedly the first district in its area to purchase propane autogas powered buses.

“DeKalb Central United Schools is blazing the trail in Indiana with its commitment to making the switch to propane autogas fueled school buses,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for ROUSH CleanTech.