Peaches, Peanuts and Propane
Georgia is one of the most biodiverse states in America. From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the coastal beaches, the southern state has a lot to offer — and a lot to protect. But did you also know that Georgia also has deployed the most propane school buses of any state in the U.S.?
Twenty percent of all school buses in Georgia run on propane autogas, protecting the Peach State’s precious flora and fauna, and providing clean air for its students, drivers and communities.
A Georgia State study correlated increased academic performance when children were exposed to lower levels of harmful school bus emissions. Student test scores improved in both math and English when alternative fuels like propane autogas replaced diesel.
Today, Georgia school districts operate more than 1,700 propane school buses, including Atlanta Public Schools, McDuffie County Schools, Fulton County School System and Henry County Schools. And, more propane buses are being ordered every year. Cliff Shearhouse, transportation director for Henry County Schools, says the district anticipates an all-propane fleet in the next 10 years.
McDuffie County Schools added six new propane buses to its fleet this past summer, citing a lower cost for maintenance, lower fuel costs and a cleaner burn during the winter months.
Fulton County School System saves $3,000 in fuel and maintenance costs per propane school bus each year. “That’s money that can be allocated elsewhere, like back in the classrooms,” says Sam Ham, retired executive director of Fulton County School System Transportation Services, which operates 491 Blue Bird propane buses. That equals more than $1.5 million in savings per year! And with diesel prices continuing to climb, those savings will grow even more each year.
Of course, the power of propane isn’t just for school buses — we’re working with nearly every industry to provide an affordable clean fuel option. If you think propane autogas can help your fleet (and your people), let’s stay in touch.
Happy Halloween!
