MCS preparing to replace some of its fleet with propane buses
Bluebird Vision Propane bus refueling. Photo courtesy of Roush Clean Tech.
by Sara Swanson
We reported in 2024 that Manchester Community Schools (MCS) had received a $841,939 Clean Bus Energy grant from the state of Michigan that was going to be used toward purchasing three new electric buses and adding three charging stations from a company called Lion Electric, out of Quebec, replacing three old diesel buses. Community members even had the chance to tour the electric buses during a football game. A year and a half later electric buses are out and propane buses are in.
Shannon Cajic, MCS’s chief financial officer, explained, “We were originally awarded the grant based on an electric bus proposal. … However, Lion Electric entered bankruptcy proceedings, which created significant uncertainty around delivery timelines, parts availability, warranty coverage, and long-term service support. Given those risks, moving forward under the original vendor plan was not a responsible or viable option for the district. In addition, our transportation fleet is aging and maintenance costs continue to increase. Transitioning to propane allows us to move forward with a solution that is available on a reliable timeline, supported locally, and aligned with our operational needs and financial stewardship responsibilities.”
In fact the district did dodge a bullet with Lion Electric reorganizing last May into a new regional company, which is only honoring warranties on electric buses in Quebec, leaving many school districts in the US that had purchased school buses from them scrambling to find technicians to service the buses and performing repairs out of pocket. The district is now working with Roush Clean Tech, a company based closer to home in Livonia, Mich.
Environmentally, propane buses do still release tailpipe emissions, unlike electric buses, however, compared to diesel buses, their emissions are much lower, with the Blue Bird Vision Propane buses releasing near-zero emissions. The carbon footprint of propane buses versus electric buses is also a nuanced question with some studies showing that though EV buses have lower carbon footprints on paper, they have similar carbon footprints in practice.
One stat that propane buses are clear winners over electric buses in is cost. Cajic explained that the original EV plan was estimated at $1,052,432.52 for three buses and three charging stations, and the revised plan is $637,384.00 for four propane buses at $159,346 each, although the district may decide to purchase five.
Like with the electric buses, the district will have to build new infrastructure to refuel the propane buses but it is significantly less complex and less costly than EV-charging infrastructure. Cajic stated, “The good news is that we were already planning on adding this infrastructure in with the transportation department’s bond upgrades. In the meantime, until that happens, we are able to partner with local Corrigan Oil for fueling until the infrastructure is built.”
Cajic explained that the district anticipates savings with the operation of the new buses but that the exact savings will vary based on route mileage and fuel pricing. She stated, “Replacing aging buses should reduce breakdowns, downtime, and the frequency of costly repairs. In addition, propane engines and emissions systems are generally less complex than diesel, which can help simplify maintenance and improve reliability. With transportation maintenance costs trending upward as our fleet ages, moving to newer propane buses is intended to provide a more predictable, sustainable cost structure going forward.”
There is a deadline of September 30, 2026, looming. If the district doesn’t use the funds in accordance with the grant requirements by that deadline, they would be required to return any unspent funds. Cajic stated that she anticipates the school board will take action at their meeting this month and that they plan to move promptly afterward by submitting the revised propane-bus plan and completing the required documentation to remain compliant and on schedule.
Regardless of where you land on propane-versus-electric or propane-versus-diesel, Cajic explained that replacing the old buses will have benefits beyond the environmental and financial. She stated, “Adding newer buses improves day-to-day reliability, reduces breakdowns and service disruptions, and helps ensure students have safe, consistent transportation. Newer vehicles also typically provide a more comfortable ride, improved safety features, and fewer maintenance-related delays.”
The school board is expected to make a decision at their next scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 20, at 6pm, in the Manchester Jr/Sr High School media center.
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