Blue Bird and ROUSH CleanTech currently offer the only propane school bus option available in the market.


Going beyond questions about gasoline or diesel,


Mouw noted ROUSH CleanTech has also been a strong proponent of propane in the school bus ap- plication since launching with Blue Bird in 2012. He said the ROUSH propane autogas system built into the Ford 7.3L gasoline engine offers much of the same simplicity as the gasoline engine. In addition, it offers cost per mile savings, capability for using renewable propane and readiness to meet tighten- ing limitations on nitrogen oxides. Mouw predicted that challenges with commercial


viability and infrastructure demands for EVs, as well as complexity and cost issues for diesel, are likely to continue for some time. “It’s possible we will live in a world dominat-


ed by gasoline and propane engines for student transportation over the next seven to ten years,” he concluded.


Careful Consideration The most realistic path to future fuel choices may


involve multiple approaches. That has been increas- ingly the converstation in the commercial truck and


bus sector, as heard again at ACT Expo in April. “I think it’s important to have a diverse fleet that


provides your district with exposure to the various alternative fuel options that are currently available,” Lynch noted. Kretsinger advised pursuing that goal as a deliber-


ate process. “Do not get taken advantage of or fall for the next greatest thing by sales people trying to sell bleeding edge technology,” he said. “Lion [Electric] buses are a good example of what could happen.” He advised watching trends, using common sense, taking little steps and being patient. “Try small changes first and see how it works


before making big sweeping changes that could have extreme or negative effects to your school district,” he added. Comparing notes with others will pay off. “Do your research and talk with others in your


industry with similar needs and commitments,” Marean said. “Speak with your dealer represen- tatives and make the reasonable and responsible choice that is right for your location.” ●


44 School Transportation News • JUNE 2025


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