Grants help schools invest in propane buses

Tippecanoe School Corp. is one of seven districts that will use grants to buy at least two new propane-fueled school buses. (Photo courtesy of Blue Bird Corp.)

A new state grant will provide seven Indiana public school districts money to buy propane-fueled school buses.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development said the schools will benefit from decreasing children’s exposure to “harmful particulate matter,” lower maintenance costs and more fuel diversity.

The winning districts, which received more than $275,000 and will each buy at least two new propane buses, are Warren Township Schools, Wayne Township Schools, Avon Community Schools, DeKalb County Central United Schools, North Spencer County Schools, Tippecanoe School Corp. and Warrick County Schools.

The schools will be required to track the miles driven with the buses, the amount of fuel used, and total cost savings.

“Improved engine technologies have made propane a low-cost option for Indiana’s school bus fleet,” said OED Director Tristan Vance. “At OED, we believe that propane is a promising alternative fuel for school buses because it is widely available, even in rural areas, and traditionally costs less than diesel or gasoline.”•