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.
