Derek Roch

In recent years, electric school buses have dominated the conversation as the only path to sustainable student transportation. Electrification will continue to play a big role in how we transform our transportation system, but we believe that it is not a silver bullet. There are other technologies and domestic energy choices that reduce harmful emissions and operational costs.

This isn’t to say that electric buses don’t have their place, but a “one size fits all” approach is flawed. EV technology and infrastructure are a long way from being commercially viable without the help of significant federal and state incentives.

The Rapid, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has seen good results from its 62 Ford E-450 propane buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech systems.

Currently, more than 75% of The Rapid’s paratransit fleet runs on propane, with its propane buses traveling over 1.8 million miles in 2024. These propane buses have seen a 118% fuel savings per gallon, which has allowed the company to tap into federal and private funding to cover the capital costs.

For decades, propane autogas has been helping fleet owners cut their emissions without compromising reliability and profitability. Innovations like propane-powered electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment and renewable propane are helping EV and propane autogas fleets alike meet increasingly stringent emissions standards while keeping costs low and reliability high.

One of the largest fleets traversing U.S. roadways takes kids to and from school each day.

About half-a-million school buses hit the road early every weekday morning, return to the bus yard, maybe make some mid-day runs for extracurricular activities or field trips and head out again in the afternoon to ferry students home.

“Autogas is an excellent way to expand gallon growth within one’s market. These gallons are weather independent and provide customers with a clean, affordable fuel.”

Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, highlights its latest zero- and ultra-low emission commercial vehicle solutions at the upcoming Work Truck Week 2025 (WTW25). The company debuts its groundbreaking propane-powered Class 5-6 stripped chassis. In addition, Blue Bird presents its state-of-the-art electric step van at the show’s Ride & Drive. WTW25 takes place on March 4–7, 2025, at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind.

As energy costs rise and emissions standards become more stringent, paratransit fleets are turning to propane autogas. Several recent studies have shown the effectiveness of propane autogas for paratransit fleets seeking to lower both emissions and operational costs while reliably meeting their performance needs. 

The Engine Technology Forum (ETF) is excited to announce Roush Enterprises, Inc. (Roush) as its latest member. The ETF is a nonprofit group focused on improving the understanding of advanced engines, fuels, and technologies. Members of the ETF are leaders in these critical industries.