Earlier this year, Blue Bird provided SDP with 38 Vision propane-powered school buses. These Type C buses are capable of accommodating up to 42 students and can travel up to 300 miles on a single tank of propane. Compared to diesel buses, Blue Bird’s propane models produce 96% fewer harmful emissions, ensuring a healthier environment for students, bus drivers, and the surrounding community.
Additionally, propane-powered buses offer significant cost savings for school districts. The total cost of ownership is reduced, with savings on fuel and maintenance of up to $3,700 per bus annually compared to diesel alternatives. Over the 15-year lifespan of the vehicles, SDP’s new propane fleet could save the district more than $2.1 million.
“We are excited to lead the way in Philadelphia by expanding our low-emission school bus fleet and fostering a healthier environment for our students, drivers, and the entire community,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D. “Collaborating with Blue Bird, a leader in low- and zero-emission school buses, alongside other top partner organizations, has made it possible to realize our vision of clean student transportation.”
Albert Burleigh, vice president of North America bus sales at Blue Bird Corporation, expressed enthusiasm about supplying SDP with ultra-low-emission propane school buses. He noted that the district already operates five electric, zero-emission Blue Bird buses. By integrating both electric and propane-powered buses, SDP is at the forefront of sustainable student transportation.
Since 2012, Blue Bird has partnered with ROUSH CleanTech to manufacture innovative alternative-fuel vehicles. ROUSH CleanTech has developed a compact, durable 7.3L engine that is easily maintainable for the propane-powered school buses. To date, Blue Bird has deployed over 20,000 propane-powered school buses.
“Congratulations to the School District of Philadelphia for its commitment to reducing emissions with cost-effective propane school buses,” remarked Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales, marketing, and customer success at ROUSH CleanTech. “We look forward to serving the district for many years to come.”
Blue Bird is the sole manufacturer of propane-powered school buses in the United States, with demand for these vehicles steadily increasing over the past decade. The current propane engine is 90% cleaner than the strictest federal emission standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With even stricter regulations set to take effect in 2027, Blue Bird’s near-zero-emission propane school buses already exceed these standards.
Currently, more than 1.3 million students in over 1,100 school districts nationwide commute to school in propane-powered buses. The School District of Philadelphia acquired its new propane vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized dealer, Brightbill Body Works, located in Lebanon, PA.