Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), a leader in electric and low-emission school buses, has delivered its first fleet of propane-powered buses to the School District of Philadelphia (SDP), Pennsylvania’s largest school district. This delivery of 38 near-zero-emission buses will help SDP further its commitment to clean student transportation. Serving nearly 200,000 students across 218 schools, SDP is prioritizing eco-friendly solutions to protect student and community health.
The new propane-powered Blue Bird Vision buses can carry up to 42 students and travel 300 miles on a single tank of propane. These buses emit 96% fewer harmful pollutants than diesel models, significantly improving air quality around students, drivers, and the community. Propane buses also offer substantial cost savings, reducing fuel and maintenance expenses by up to $3,700 per bus each year, which could save the district over $2.1 million over the vehicles’ 15-year lifespan.
Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., expressed pride in the district’s progress: “We’re leading the way in Philadelphia with a growing low-emission school bus fleet, providing a healthier environment for our students and community. Our partnership with Blue Bird helps make this vision of clean transportation a reality.”
Albert Burleigh, Blue Bird’s VP of North America bus sales, added, “We’re thrilled to support Philadelphia’s transition to sustainable student transportation with our ultra-low-emission propane buses. Combined with SDP’s five electric Blue Bird buses, this fleet represents some of the most advanced clean buses available.”
Blue Bird has collaborated with ROUSH CleanTech since 2012 to build advanced propane-powered buses. ROUSH’s 7.3L engine powertrains are durable, easy to maintain, and help reduce emissions. Over 20,000 Blue Bird propane buses are now in service, transporting more than 1.3 million students nationwide. Blue Bird remains the only U.S. manufacturer offering propane-powered school buses, which are 90% cleaner than the EPA’s strictest standards, ensuring compliance with even stricter regulations set for 2027.
Todd Mouw, EVP at ROUSH CleanTech, congratulated SDP, stating, “Their commitment to reducing emissions with cost-saving propane buses is a big step forward, and we’re proud to support their journey.”
