Maine school district ‘sold on propane school buses’

The Bonny Eagle School District in Buxton, Maine, is using propane autogas to fuel 30 of the 38 buses that it runs daily.

In addition, Bonny Eagle says it’s the first district east of the Rocky Mountains to use renewable propane, which is made from feedstocks like plant and vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oils.

The school district’s on-site fueling station, with an 18,000-gallon tank and two dispensers, was built by Crown Energy Solutions in Auburn, New Hampshire. Pitstop Fuels in Gorham, Maine, connected the district with Crown Energy Solutions, and Pitstop Fuels partnered with Ray Energy in Latham, New York, on the district’s quantity of renewable propane. The companies did not disclose the volume of renewable propane in use by the school district.

“The relationship we have cultivated between our department and O’Connor Bus Sales has made it easier for our mechanics to stay abreast of emerging technology,” adds Sarah Marean, transportation director. “The education and support offered from Roush CleanTech and the Propane Education & Research Council has helped us to assure our staff, local first responders and the general public of our commitment to safe, reliable and responsible transportation service to our Bonny Eagle community.”

The district says it’s saving about 50 percent in fuel costs, and propane’s clean-operating properties are reducing its maintenance expenses.

“We were already sold on propane school buses as a clean energy option to dirty diesel buses, and renewable propane enhances that sentiment,” Marean says. “I encourage all Maine and New England school districts to take a hard look at propane. It just makes sense for us.”

Featured homepage image courtesy of Roush CleanTech