South Dakota Transit Agencies Lead the State in Clean Fuel
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit Spearfish, South Dakota, to enjoy the unveiling of the state’s first-ever propane buses. We celebrated not one, but two, transit agencies that have made the economical and environmentally responsible decision to integrate propane vehicles into their fleet.
The move to propane by People’s Transit and Prairie Hills Transit is so exciting to witness; the community is very much connected to it and I had the privilege of seeing that firsthand. While in Spearfish, I met a wonderful gentleman who has been a long-time rider with Prairie Hills. He was thrilled about having access to clean buses and clean air because he uses the routes for everything from doctor appointments to grocery store trips.
Both People’s Transit in Huron and Prairie Hills Transit in Spearfish adopted the ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 cutaway chassis. It’s the only propane vehicle that’s completed the Federal Transit Administration’s New Model Bus Testing Program (“Altoona Testing”), which allows transit agencies to access federal funds that cover 85% of the entire alternative fuel vehicle cost with a 15% local match.
Propane is an excellent alternative fuel for South Dakota because the transit agencies are required to cover large geographic regions and navigate harsh weather conditions. As we know, propane vehicles have a very long range and can easily start up in temps up to negative 40°F. Although the first in the state of South Dakota, dozens of transit agencies across the U.S. operate propane buses, making it the leading alternative fuel for the industry.
Here’s what I’m reading this month:
- Why the Solution is Propane for Electric Bus Fleets, Too
- Oregon School District, First Student Win Fleet Awards at ACT EXPO
- North Penn’s new propane-powered buses getting District closer to all-green fleet
Chelsea Uphaus
Director of Marketing
ROUSH CleanTech
