Illinois school district purchases propane-powered buses

Township High School District 211, in Cook County, Illinois, added 15 propane autogas-fueled buses to its fleet for the 2018-19 school year.

The Blue Bird Vision Propane Type C models are equipped with a Ford 6.8-liter V10 engine and are powered by Roush CleanTech propane fuel systems. According the Roush, the buses reduce operating costs and help the school district lower its carbon footprint.

“District 211 strives to be green in as many areas as we can. Our new propane-fueled buses are one major way we can improve the air quality around our schools,” says Diana Mikelski, director of transportation for Township High School District 211.

Mikelski estimates the new buses will collectively save about $15,000 in fuel costs. Those savings will be reallocated to other transportation initiatives, she adds. The district plans to purchase more propane buses once an annual replacement schedule has been determined.

The district chose propane because of its low maintenance and fuel costs, reliability in extreme temperatures and quiet operation, Mikelski notes.

“Township High School District 211 joins the growing number of school districts looking to alternative fuels to lower total ownership costs,” says Ryan Zic, director of school bus sales for Roush CleanTech. “Along with financial savings, propane buses have the added benefit of cutting pollution, operating more quietly and running on a domestically produced fuel source.”

*Featured image courtesy of Bob Yosay/The Vindicator