Propane buses have quickly become one of the most popular trends among school districts, bus companies, and other organizations all over the country. The advantages offered by propane buses go beyond cost savings, including faster start-up in extreme weather and lower hydrocarbon exhaust emissions.
Whether a company decides to explore alternative fuels based on quick return on investment, sustainable energy, community impact, serviceability or safety, propane is the most practical solution one.
What is the difference between a propane-powered bus and a regular bus?
Many propane school buses look the same as traditional school buses with no discernible differences. Lights, windows, doors and mirrors are almost identical. The main difference is that they use propane instead of diesel as fuel.
Propane engines significantly reduce smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions and are quieter than conventional bus engines for improved eco-friendliness and improved passenger security. Due to increased fuel and maintenance savings, organizations can often put two or more propane-powered buses on the road for the cost of one diesel-powered bus.
Advantages of propane buses
Many organizations continue to switch to propane buses They have proven to be a plethora of benefits. Like any other mass transit bus, propane-powered buses meet U.S. federal motor vehicle safety standards.
Several specific benefits of propane buses include:
- FUEL AND MAINTENANCE SAVINGS:
Propane typically costs about Half the cost of diesel fuel, a significant savings that organizations can spend on other budget areas. Propane also reduces maintenance costs because it reduces engine wear. These factors lead to higher value and lower total cost of ownership. Cleaner fuel alternative Product: Using an environmentally friendly propane bus eliminates most of the hydrocarbons produced by diesel engines. Fewer bus exhaust emissions means less exposure to potentially harmful air particles. Propane does not spill or leave any residue when released, and does not pose a hazard to soil, surface water or groundwater. - Excellent construction: Fuel tank consists of carbon steel and airtight casing to ensure fuel efficiency at variable temperatures. The engine system is equipped with shut-off valves and other safety devices that are automatically triggered during failures. Rugged propane tanks are securely held between heavy-duty frame rails. Tasteless: Propane is odorless until it leaks. Its natural form has no odor, but it uses ethanethiol as an additive to alert you when there is gas in the air. Propane is also less likely to ignite than gasoline or diesel fuel.
Safety: Manufacturers build propane-powered buses with safety in mind. Propane tanks are more puncture resistant than diesel powertrains. Plus, fueling with propane involves a closed-loop system, which means no spills or odors like other fuels. 
Weighing the propane school bus The pros and cons of
Many of the early shortcomings associated with propane-powered school buses have been eliminated thanks to rigorous manufacturing testing and technical improvements. Today’s propane systems are even safer than traditional diesel fuel systems.
Modern propane systems have shutoff valves and other safety devices that automatically activate the fuel line if something goes wrong. The new propane tank installation system is designed to double the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard.
Other early concerns suggested that propane fuel might not be available in some areas, but as propane buses become more popular, this is the case is changing rapidly. Unlike many other fuel sources, most U.S. propane is domestically produced. Over the past few decades, U.S. propane capacity has grown so rapidly that exports have increased each year.
Why Propane Buses Are More Reliable
One of the Most Significant Advantages of Propane The key to buses is their reliability in extreme temperatures. Propane remains liquid until it reaches the engine cylinders, reducing delays in start-up time. Many other benefits of propane systems are related to engine reliability, including:
- Reduced failures and system failure.
- Significantly less downtime due to reduced maintenance requirements. No fuel additives, conditioners or anti-gelling agents required.
Bluebird Propane Bus
Gregory Poole is North Carolina’s leading dealer of Blue Bird and Micro Blue Bird buses, two of the most popular propane bus models on the road. Blue Bird has over eight years of manufacturing experience to the highest industry standards and provides the most reliable and durable buses.
Blue Bird’s premier 5th generation Vision propane bus offers superior fuel and maintenance cost savings in addition to the most comfortable passenger ride. The model exhibits excellent maneuverability, excellent driver visibility and many other safety features, making it one of the most trusted buses on the road. Blue Bird can customize the Vision propane bus for specific applications, allowing each customer to choose the best solution for their needs.
Contact Gregory Poole Equipment Company today
Gregory Poole’s team has the experience and knowledge to meet all your school bus needs. In addition to our selection of new propane buses, we also offer the highest quality maintenance and repair services to keep your fleet running smoothly. If you’re considering buying a school bus in the North Carolina area, take a look at Gregory Poole Bus Sales.
Contact us today to learn more about how a new propane bus can benefit your organization.
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