Kansas City School District saves big by switching to propane autogas

In a time when there is an intense focus on protecting the environment and conserving natural resources, the use of autogas as an alternative fuel source for school buses continues to gain popularity in communities across the country. Today, there are more than 11,000 propane-powered school buses operating in the United States. Each year, more school districts are making the switch to propane autogas to save on fuel and maintenance costs, reduce vehicle emissions, and provide a safe and reliable environment for their students.

The same can be said for the Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), which added 155 propane-fueled Blue Bird school buses to start the 2019 school year. KCPS joins more than 900 school districts, including Fort Zumwalt and Grain Valley in Missouri, running propane school buses. Here’s why autogas is a perfect fit for Kansas City’s school bus fleet:

Fuel-Cost Savings

To the naked eye, propane-powered school buses look just like traditional gasoline- or diesel-powered buses. However, the difference in fuel can save school districts thousands of dollars annually, even beyond the cost per gallon. The KCPS pays 50 percent less per gallon for propane compared to diesel, for an expected savings of about $500,000 annually, as well as $55,000 worth of savings each year in maintenance costs.

Lowest Total-Cost-Of-Ownership

Propane autogas provides the lowest total-cost-of-ownership compared to any fuel option. Several factors include reduced fuel and maintenance costs, and little to no changes to maintenance facilities. Most repair and garaging facilities do not require costly modifications when adding propane autogas to their fleet. If existing buildings are code compliant for diesel and gasoline, typically there are no infrastructure changes required for propane autogas.

Reduces Emissions

Propane is a clean-burning fuel, meaning school districts can expect to see lower overall emissions after investing in propane autogas school buses. The buses will reduce NOx emissions by more than 55,000 pounds and particulate matter by almost 500 pounds each year compared with the diesel buses they replaced.

Reliable Performance, Regardless of the Weather

A huge advantage of an autogas bus is its ability to warm up to a desired temperature far quicker than a diesel bus would. With a fleet of diesel buses, drivers at many large school districts must arrive at least two hours early to get the buses warmed up and running. After making the switch to propane autogas, buses will start with the turn of a key. (And yes, even in below-freezing temperatures.) This not only adds an increased level of comfort to drivers and students, but also peace of mind to parents knowing their kids will stay warm during the harsh winter months.

Contact Your Local Ferrellgas Office to Move Your Fleet to Propane Autogas

While many companies can offer propane, we at Ferrellgas provide remarkable, hometown service to every customer. From routine checks to SmartFill technology, we take pride in being the local propane experts here to serve your needs. For more information on how to switch your fleet to propane Autogas, visit our Autogas page or call 888-337-7355.