Marysville City Schools Returns to Propane Buses for Major Savings

Propane School Bus Plan

Fleet Transition and Savings

Transition 75% of the 48-bus fleet to propane

Annual diesel use: 87,000 gallons

Diesel at $3.64 vs. propane at $1.87 per gallon 

Estimated lifetime savings per propane bus: ~$143,000

Implementation Timeline

First propane buses arriving FY26

Propane fueling infrastructure investment pays for itself in 4–5 years.

Why Marysville Chose Propane

Cost Stability and Financial Incentives

In 2025, Marysville City Schools announced plans to transition back to propane buses, aiming to convert 75% of their 48-bus fleet over the next decade. 

Transportation Director, Todd Amos, emphasized the financial advantages: “It’s good, it’s green, but really, it’s just smart,” he explained in the Marysville Journal-Tribune. The district consumes roughly 87,000 gallons of diesel annually—taking up a significant portion of their budget. Propane offers greater savings.

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Lower Initial and Operational Costs

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Cost Comparisons

Propane buses offer immediate and long-term cost benefits (NREL Fleet Cost Data):

  • Standard propane bus: $144,000 (vs. $167,000 diesel)
  • Special needs propane bus: $164,000 (vs. $188,000 diesel)

Lifetime Savings

Marysville expects savings of about $143,000 per propane bus over a 10–12 year lifecycle due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.

Reduced Maintenance and Lower Emissions

Maintenance Benefits

Eliminating diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), which cost $13,000 last year, provides immediate savings. Additionally, propane buses feature simpler mechanics, reduced oil consumption, and fewer maintenance requirements. Fairbanks Local Schools confirmed that they had fewer mechanic hours after switching to propane.

Environmental Advantages

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, propane buses significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lifecycle costs, and nitrogen oxide pollutants (up to 96% less than diesel) (Argonne GREET Model 2022).

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Modern Propane Bus Technology

Advanced Engine Technology

Marysville selected Blue Bird Vision buses featuring ROUSH CleanTech propane engines, known for:

  • Reliable cold-weather starts
  • Quiet operation
  • Lower emissions
  • Compliance with EPA and NHTSA safety standards

Fueling Infrastructure and Bus Availability

Infrastructure Development

Marysville initiated bids for constructing propane fueling stations in May 2025. A second station is also considered for the Raymond area. The infrastructure will pay for itself within 4 to 5 years.

Availability and Delivery

Propane buses have a quicker delivery timeline than diesel buses (less than a year versus 18–20 months).

Enhanced Safety and Flexibility

Safety Features

Propane tanks are designed with robust safety measures. They are 20 times more puncture-resistant than gasoline and diesel tanks and meet stringent crash standards.

A Sustainable Model for Ohio Schools

Strategic Approach

Marysville’s strategic return to propane provides a practical roadmap for Ohio school districts aiming to modernize fleets for sustainable and economical reasons. The district’s approach demonstrates that propane buses offer an immediate path toward cleaner, more cost-effective student transportation.

Further Information

Learn more about propane school transportation solutions at: OhioAutogas.com and Clean Ohio Propane.

Sources

  • U.S. DOE AFDC
  • Argonne GREET Model (2022)
  • NREL Fleet Cost Data