Georgia’s Cherokee County rolls out propane buses

Photo: Cherokee County

Cherokee County, near Atlanta, now has the first propane-powered public transit buses in the state of Georgia, according to local officials.

In February, the Cherokee Area Transportation Service purchased three propane-powered buses from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales. The new models will replace gasoline buses in the fleet for a program that provides bus routes to individuals needing transportation assistance.

“We’re proud to add Cherokee County to the growing list of paratransit fleets across this country that are operating with propane autogas,” says Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. “Cherokee County is prioritizing providing a safe, clean ride for their community while lowering their operating costs. It’s a win for environmental sustainability and a win for their financial sustainability.”

The total cost of more than $300,000 was paid with a Federal Transportation Authority grant and from a special purpose local option sales tax.

“We are excited to bring in three new vehicles that use a cleaner fuel source and have expected lower maintenance costs,” says Bryan Reynolds, community services agency director for Cherokee County. “With the purchase, we were able to secure increased federal transportation support and a Federal Transit Authority fuel subsidy, saving our taxpayers money.”

Roush CleanTech’s Gen 5 propane system was integrated with the Ford 7.3-liter engine.

“Roush CleanTech’s advanced propane autogas technology is helping states like Georgia tackle their air quality problems and budget challenges by operating economical, emissions-reducing buses,” says Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales for Roush CleanTech.