Propane Autogas School Buses
Each day, 1.3 million kids across the nation ride to and from school in buses fueled by propane autogas.
Nationwide, more than 1,000 school districts reliably and economically operate propane school buses. In fact, 25% of America’s largest school districts choose propane autogas for their fleet.
Every child deserves a safe, clean, healthy ride to school. The way to provide that ride is not with dirty, outdated diesel buses that are known to cause harm. Propane school buses are a key piece to reducing toxic emissions and protecting our greatest resources.
Benefits of Propane School Buses
School Districts' Propane Buses Lead to Widespread Benefits
Independence
With an estimated savings of $2,000 in fuel costs per bus, Independence School District is adding 10 propane buses per year over the next five to six years.
Kansas City
Kansas City Public Schools operates 170+ propane buses and enjoys a 60% savings in fuel costs compared to diesel.
Neosho
Neosho School District’s 18 buses emit 571 fewer pounds of particulate matter and 13,600 fewer pounds of nitrogen oxides annually compared to the diesel models they replaced.
Grain Valley
After tapping grants for purchase assistance, each of Grain Valley School District’s new propane buses cost only $250 more than a comparable diesel bus, which was quickly recouped in fuel savings.
Fort Zumwalt
Fort Zumwalt School District has operated propane buses for over a decade, proving their staying power while reducing costs and emissions.
Liberty
With the addition of propane buses, the maintenance department at Liberty Public Schools earned the fleet excellence award from the Missouri state highway patrol. The district also saw an 80% reduction in fuel costs.
Hannibal
Hannibal Public School District successfully implemented a fleet of 10 propane autogas school buses, replacing outdated diesel models. The switch to propane resulted in a 44% reduction in per-gallon fuel costs.
Benefits of Propane for Schools
Propane School Bus Funding Opportunities
Propane is classified as a clean alternative fuel, and fleets that adopt propane school buses are eligible for numerous funding programs.
The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is providing funding assistance to school districts for the purchase of school buses powered by propane. The application window for this funding opportunity is October 17, 2024 - December 15, 2024. Local education agencies (LEAs) and charter schools may apply for reimbursement grants of $24,250 per propane bus, with a maximum of four buses per school.
Missouri Propane Education & Research Council Incentive Program
MOPERC has pledged $1 million to help school districts transition from diesel to propane buses. The program offers incentives of $10,000 for fueling infrastructure and $5,000 for site prep and infrastructure for schools, law enforcement or other private fleets acquiring at least four new propane vehicles.
Federal Incentive Programs
The Clean School Bus Rebates program provides $5 billion between 2022-2027 to replace existing school buses with low- and zero-emission school buses. For more information, visit EPA’s Clean School Bus Program Funding.
Propane school buses are also eligible for a tax credit of 37 cents per gallon and up to $30,000 in infrastructure support through the alternative fuel tax credit.
Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust Funding
The state of Missouri received $42 million from the Volkswagen emissions settlement to fund transportation projects that reduce NOx emissions. Learn more about how propane autogas buses can offer access to these funds.
Adopt Propane Buses Today
Contact us to learn more about how propane autogas can be incorporated in your school district to save money and reduce emissions.