Waterford School District (WSD) introduced new school buses fuelled by LPG into its fleet in December, joining almost 30 other school districts in the state of Michigan to operate Autogas buses, an economical alternative that allows school districts to save money in maintenance and fuel costs, and to reduce carbon footprint.

“Prior to joining WSD, I had a very positive experience with propane-fuelled buses,” said WSD Superintendent Keith Wunderlich. “School buses operating on Autogas are environmentally friendly and reliable in cold weather conditions, plus offer cost saving benefits.”

Wunderlich also said that the school district selected these buses because they provide the added safety of a quieter running engine and, although the initial purchase cost is higher, the “savings in overall cost of ownership versus a diesel bus is worth the initial cost.”

Each Blue Bird Vision Propane Bus is fitted with Autogas systems manufactured by ROUSH CleanTech. “Waterford School District joins hundreds of school districts across America making the decision to find fuel alternatives for their buses,” said Brian Carney, executive director of school bus and customer support for ROUSH CleanTech. “Autogas is a proven choice that costs about 50% less than diesel per gallon and reduces maintenance costs due to its clean-operating properties.”

Equipped with Ford Motor Company’s 6.8L V10 engines, the new buses emit 80% fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and virtually eliminate particulate matter when compared with diesel. They will also reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by about 10,000 pounds and particulate matter by about 315 pounds each year compared with the diesel buses they replaced.