Philadelphia School District expands clean transportation with Blue Bird’s propane-powered buses

Blue Bird has delivered 38 propane-powered buses to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Pennsylvania’s largest school district, as part of the district’s efforts to transition to cleaner student transportation. 

The new buses, part of Blue Bird’s Vision line, are designed to reduce emissions and provide operational cost savings.

Each Type C bus has the capacity to carry 42 students and can operate up to 300 miles on a single tank of propane. Blue Bird reports that these propane buses produce 96% fewer emissions compared to diesel models, benefiting both the local environment and public health.

The propane-powered buses also offer financial benefits by lowering maintenance and fuel costs. According to Blue Bird, districts using propane buses can achieve savings of up to $3,700 per bus annually compared to diesel buses. Over an estimated 15-year lifespan, SDP’s propane fleet could save the district over $2.1 million.

SDP Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., highlighted the district’s commitment to clean transportation, stating:

 “We are excited to be leading the way here in Philadelphia as we grow our low-emission school bus fleet and create a healthier environment for our students, drivers, and the community-at-large. We are pleased to work with Blue Bird, the leader in low- and zero-emission school buses, and various other top partner organisations to bring our very first propane-powered bus fleet to fruition.”

Blue Bird has manufactured propane-powered buses in partnership with ROUSH CleanTech since 2012, using a 7.3L engine developed to offer an alternative to diesel and gasoline. The company has since deployed more than 20,000 propane buses nationwide. 

Todd Mouw, Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success at ROUSH CleanTech, also commented on the impact of the collaboration, adding: 

“Congratulations to the School District of Philadelphia for its commitment to reducing emissions with cost-cutting propane school buses. We look forward to serving the district for many years to come.”

Currently, more than 1.3 million students across 1,100 school districts in the United States ride to school in propane-powered buses. The School District of Philadelphia procured its buses through Blue Bird’s authorised dealer, Brightbill Body Works, based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Albert Burleigh, Vice President of North America Bus Sales at Blue Bird, recognised SDP’s ongoing efforts to implement sustainable transportation solutions, noting:

 “We are thrilled to supply the School District of Philadelphia, one of the largest in the nation, with our industry-leading, ultra-low-emission propane school buses. SDP already operates five Blue Bird electric, zero-emission school buses. Utilising electric and propane-powered school buses, the school district combines the most technologically advanced clean school buses in its fleet leading the way to creating sustainable student transportation.”