Perrysburg Schools Cuts Costs and Emissions with Propane-Powered Buses

In 2020, Perrysburg Schools made the decision to transition from diesel fuel and adopt propane-powered school buses. 

During an interview with The Toledo Blade, James Mapus, the district’s executive director of operations, explained that the primary motivators behind the switch to green fuel were cost-effectiveness, reduced emissions, and financial opportunities.

Since that decision, 32 out of 52 buses operate on propane. In 2024, the district received $400,000 in grant funding through the EPA’s Clean School Bus Program, allowing them to add 16 more propane buses to their fleet. 

Perrysburg Runs on Propane

Propane School Bus Fleet – 32

Total Fleet Size – 52

60% of the fleet runs on Propane

Savings: Propane fuel costs $2.00 less than $3.50 diesel

Funded in part by $400,000 EPA Clean School Bus Program grant (2024)

Propane Offers Big Savings

Propane fuel costs the district significantly less than the $3.50 per gallon cost of gasoline and diesel. These savings have a major impact on the district’s budget and free up funding for classroom and transportation improvements.

In addition, propane buses require less oil and routine maintenance than diesel models, leading to even greater cost-efficiency. The reduced maintenance needs help ensure fewer breakdowns and lower long-term operational expenses.

Cleaner, Lower-Emission Transportation

Perrysburg’s propane buses reduce carbon monoxide emissions by 60% and nitrogen oxide emissions by 96% compared to diesel. These changes align with Ohio’s statewide goals to lower the environmental impact of public school transportation.

Smart Growth Through Grants

Courtney Parr, Director of Transportation, noted during an interview with The Toledo Blade that the continued growth of the propane fleet depends on future grant support and sustainable planning. She emphasized in an interview with the propane’s fit for Perrysburg’s infrastructure, citing limitations with EVs.

“If we were to transition to electric, we would be landlocked for our fleet growing with the district. We have had great success with our propane buses,” said Parr.

Perrysburg’s Model for Ohio School Districts

Perrysburg Schools’ early adoption of propane technology showcases how Ohio school districts can lead in sustainability while remaining fiscally responsible. Their success offers a clear path for others looking to modernize their fleet and reduce their carbon footprint.

Sources:
Argonne GREET Model (2022)
U.S. DOE AFDC, EIA Ohio Grid Mix (2023)

Sources:
U.S. DOE AFDC,
NREL Fleet Cost Data, Estimated
Lifecycle Components (2024)

Source:
Argonne GREET Model (2022)
https://greet.es.anl.gov/
U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC)
https://afdc.energy.gov/
EIA Ohio Grid Mix
https://www.eia.gov/electricity/data/browser/

Source:
The Toledo Blade