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transitioning from diesel to propane-powered school benefits, the majority of children nationwide are still
buses. As a proponent of utilizing propane as an alter- being transported to school in diesel-powered buses.
native fuel source, Foster said the transition to pro-
pane for school buses was seamless. “It was not hard. 90% of school buses “are
A propane engine is basically a gasoline engine. My diesel-powered, with engines that
mechanics were diesel mechanics, but had also worked emit 8.4 million metric tons of
on gasoline engines on the side or prior to becoming a greenhouse gases annually.”
diesel mechanic. So, that wasn’t an issue,” said Fos-
ter. Foster also stated that no kind of infrastructural Further, the financial impact of transitioning to
changes to their facilities were necessary in order to propane has also been shown to allow school systems
fuel the buses. Instead, they used a local, self-serviced, to retain a substantially larger amount of money.
unmanned fueling site close to their facility. Equally According to Foster, the amount of money transpor-
noteworthy is the efficiency of propane refueling, tation systems get in the fuel budget is based on the
with propane buses capable of being fueled 96 times fleet's fuel economy and the price of diesel. Foster
faster than electric buses can be charged, highlighting said, “They give you a certain amount of money per
the practicality and convenience of propane as a fuel amount of fuel. It doesn’t matter if you use diesel, jet
source. Foster noted that Alabama does not permit fuel, or water; they give you the exact same amount of
students to be on the school bus during refueling, so money.” Foster continued by saying, “that [the] dollar
the speed of propane refueling is imperative to getting figure is based off of projections of diesel prices, so if
students back on the road.
you’re able to buy fuel for a third of the cost, and your
Not only was the transition simple, but the fuel economy doesn’t hurt you, you’re actually making
overall benefits that followed this transition make the money...a pretty substantial amount of money.” Oil
argument for propane-powered buses even more con- changes for propane fuel engines are also roughly a
vincing. Propane fumes are not as harmful to inhale, third of the cost of a diesel bus, and thus, you’re saving
making it a better alternative for the well-being of the money on the cost of maintenance.
students and the bus drivers. Moreover, the environ- As indicated by Foster, school districts interest-
mental benefits are substantial, with propane buses ed in transitioning to propane buses face little hassle.
boasting a remarkable 96% reduction in nitrogen oxide There are even fleet vehicle incentive programs to
(NOx) emissions compared to diesel counterparts. further drive down costs. Propane buses emerge as a
Foster also noted that studies show transitioning from compelling choice, offering an extended mileage range
diesel to propane has improved student achievement compared to other alternative fuels, a reduction in
scores.
nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, easier maintenance,
One of the primary attributes which sets higher test scores in students, less noxious fumes, and
propane apart is its higher octane rating, a factor that many other benefits.
contributes to its cleaner combustion and reduced Despite the advantages of propane, challenges
emissions compared to conventional fuels like gaso- persist, particularly in the realm of funding and policy
line or diesel. This inherent cleanliness translates into support. The disparity in Environmental Protection
tangible advantages, including decreased maintenance Agency (EPA) School Bus grant funding, where electric
costs and enhanced engine reliability. Unlike traditional buses receive nearly total coverage while propane
fuels that degrade over time, propane remains sta- buses receive only a fraction, underscores the need for
ble, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency for increased parity and recognition of propane's contri-
propane-fueled engines across the board. Additionally, butions to sustainable transportation. Additionally, the
since propane is a domestically produced resource, extension of alternative fuels tax credits can serve as
and most of the propane used in America comes a catalyst for broader adoption, incentivizing school
from North America, propane fueled school buses districts, transit authorities, and businesses to embrace
help increase America's energy security. Although propane as a viable and eco-conscious fuel option.
propane-powered school buses provide all of these

22 Alabama Propane Gas Association | May / June 2024