Related News: Investing in Greener Buses Isn’t Just An EV Thing
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.
October 28, 2025
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.
More Alternative Fuels
Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Extend Clean School Bus Program Through 2031
The proposed legislation would renew federal support for cleaner school buses as districts navigate funding uncertainty, rising fuel and infrastructure costs, and fleet replacement needs.
Read More →
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 →