Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has delivered its inaugural fleet of propane-powered buses to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Pennsylvania’s largest school district. This delivery includes 38 near-zero emission vehicles aimed at enhancing clean transportation for the district, which serves nearly 200,000 students across 218 schools.
Earlier this year, Blue Bird provided 38 Vision propane-powered school buses to SDP. These Type C buses can transport up to 42 students and travel up to 300 miles on a single propane tank. The propane buses produce 96% fewer harmful emissions compared to diesel buses, significantly benefiting the health of students, drivers, and the surrounding community.
Additionally, propane buses help lower the total cost of ownership for school fleets. Districts can save up to $3,700 per bus annually on fuel and maintenance compared to diesel buses. Over the 15-year lifespan of these vehicles, SDP stands to save more than $2.1 million.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., expressed excitement about expanding the low-emission fleet: “We are pleased to work with Blue Bird and other partners to bring our first propane-powered fleet to life, creating a healthier environment for everyone.”
Albert Burleigh, vice president of North American bus sales at Blue Bird, added, “We are thrilled to supply SDP with our ultra-low-emission propane buses, complementing their existing fleet of five electric, zero-emission buses.”
Since 2012, Blue Bird has partnered with ROUSH CleanTech to produce alternative-fuel vehicles, integrating a durable 7.3L engine into its propane school buses. To date, Blue Bird has deployed over 20,000 propane-powered school buses nationwide.
Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech, congratulated SDP for its commitment to reducing emissions and saving costs with propane buses, expressing anticipation for a long-term partnership.
As the only U.S. manufacturer of propane-powered school buses, Blue Bird has seen growing demand for its vehicles over the past decade. Today’s propane engines are 90% cleaner than the strictest EPA emission standards, and Blue Bird’s buses already exceed upcoming standards set to take effect in 2027.
Currently, over 1.3 million students in more than 1,100 school districts across the nation use propane-powered buses for their daily commutes. SDP procured its new vehicles through Blue Bird’s authorized dealer, Brightbill Body Works in Lebanon, PA.
