## Propane Buses Lead the Charge for Safer, Greener Student Transportation During National School Bus Safety Week
As school districts across the country focus on student safety during National School Bus Safety Week, propane-powered buses are proving to be a leading choice for a safer, cleaner, and more reliable ride to school. Propane buses offer a healthier environment for students by significantly reducing harmful emissions, leading to a 96% reduction in respiratory issues compared to diesel buses.
Beyond cleaner air, propane buses also offer several safety advantages:
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Quieter Operation:
Propane buses are quieter than their diesel counterparts, allowing drivers to focus better on the road and enhancing overall safety.*
Faster Warm-Up:
Propane buses warm up more quickly than diesel buses in winter, ensuring a safe and comfortable ride for students, especially in colder climates.Propane vs. Electric Buses: A Healthier Choice
While electric buses have gained popularity, propane buses offer distinct advantages when considering environmental and health impacts:
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Cleaner Emissions:
When all emissions are considered, including those from battery production and charging using the electric grid, propane buses emerge as a cleaner option in most states. With a significant portion of the electric grid powered by coal and natural gas, propane helps reduce these emissions and contribute to cleaner air quality.*
Reliable Range:
Unlike electric buses, which are limited by charging infrastructure and range, propane buses offer reliable long-distance performance. They can travel up to 400 miles on a single tank, ensuring consistent transportation for students even in areas with power grid challenges. This flexibility provides peace of mind for school districts and parents.Renewable Propane: A Sustainable Future
Many school districts are taking student health and safety initiatives one step further by operating buses that run on renewable propane. This sustainable energy source, made from renewable feedstocks like plant and vegetable oils, animal fats, or used cooking oil, offers the same reliable performance as conventional propane but with an even lower carbon footprint.
Leading the way in this transformation are districts like Beaverton School District in Oregon and Bonny Eagle School District in Maine, which have adopted renewable propane-powered school buses as part of their commitment to both safety and sustainability. Beaverton’s 66 propane buses reliably run on renewable propane, while Bonny Eagle has transitioned nearly 80% of its fleet to renewable propane.
“This forward-thinking decision to adopt renewable propane allows these districts to reduce their environmental impact while ensuring students receive safe, dependable transportation,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “They’re putting the health and wellbeing of their students first, which is what National School Bus Safety Week is all about.”
Propane Buses: A Clear Choice for a Safer, Greener Future
Propane buses offer a comprehensive solution for school districts seeking safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly transportation. By choosing propane, districts can ensure the health and well-being of their students while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future. To learn more about propane school buses, visit betterourbuses.com.
About PERC
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting propane safety and investing in research and development of new propane-powered technologies. PERC is operated and funded by the propane industry. For more information, visit Propane.com.