Mesa Public Schools Launch Arizona's First Propane-Powered School Bus Fleet

Mesa Public Schools in Mesa, AZ have launched Arizona's first fleet of propane autogas-powered school buses through a partnership with Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Last week school officials took delivery of four buses that are powered by propane autogas, with an additional twenty-three buses on order.

"Current economic conditions prompted us to look at our fuel options and, with a savings of approximately $2 per gallon, it was hard to ignore propane autogas. We're excited to introduce these new vehicles," said Ron Latko, Transportation Director for Mesa Public Schools.

Increasingly, school districts across the country are turning to alternative fuel vehicles as a means of running a more efficient bus system. Districts are reporting fuel cost savings of forty percent or more compared to traditional fuels, as well as extended vehicle service life.

As an approved alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act of 1990, federal tax incentives are available through 2011 for new propane autogas-powered vehicles, vehicles converted to propane autogas, and alternative fuel infrastructure. Many states also offer additional incentives.

Mesa Public Schools' move to propane autogas school buses is another example of the district's commitment to sustainable practices. Expansion Management magazine ranks Mesa Public Schools as a "Gold Medal" School District in its annual Education Quotient (EQ) rankings. To be ranked as a Gold Medal School, a district must rank in the top sixteen percent of all school districts nationally.

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