Kingston Community School District moves to an all-propane bus fleet when school starts this fall. The district has leased six new Blue Bird propane buses, and locked in a two-year cost for propane at $1.50 per gallon, which is a 62% savings over its diesel price.
Shona Vennevy, district superintendent of Kingston Community School District, commented on the switch saying: “What a great way to start the new school year with our students and drivers breathing easier with low-emission buses fueled with propane. Our entire school district and our taxpayers benefit with lower fuel and maintenance expenses, too.”
Propane school buses reduce harmful nitrogen oxides by 96%, according to a study by West Virginia University. The Environmental Protection Agency says exposure to nitrogen oxide exhaust can have negative health effects on children and is a leading cause of asthma.
Propane buses also reduce noise levels by about 50% when compared to diesel. “You can have a normal conversation with someone on the propane bus without having to holler over a diesel engine,” said Vennevy. “Plus, there will be less road noise in our community.”
Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech, praised the district for its smart choice in opting for propane buses. “Kingston Community School District is dedicated to providing students with a safe and healthy ride to school while ensuring that their budget stays healthy, too,” said Mouw.
According to the district, diesel buses have become more challenging to troubleshoot and repair as the legal requirements to make them run cleaner have expanded. Propane removes the complexity and cost of after-treatment measures since the clean fuel doesn’t require additional fluids or filters.
There are over 18,000 school buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s propane engines on the road today. More than 35% of the nation’s largest school districts operate propane school buses.
The new propane buses, leased from Holland Bus Company, will cover all daily routes. The district will keep three diesel buses as backup if additional buses are required to transport students.