The Rapid, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has seen good results from its 62 Ford E-450 propane buses equipped with ROUSH CleanTech systems.

Saving Costs with Propane

Currently, more than 75% of The Rapid’s paratransit fleet runs on propane, with its propane buses traveling over 1.8 million miles in 2024. These propane buses have seen a 118% fuel savings per gallon, which has allowed the company to tap into federal and private funding to cover the capital costs.

An on-site propane fueling station with an 18,000-gallon tank provides further convenience when operating the buses. Installing this infrastructure was more affordable than other fueling options because the propane tanks were stored above ground. This also makes the infrastructure more flexible in where it can be placed.

Apart from the costs saved in fuel, switching to propane has also lowered maintenance costs for the vehicles. As a nontoxic, non-carcinogenic, and non-corrosive fuel, propane requires less maintenance with oil changes only being needed every 5,000 miles.

Making the Switch to Propane

The propane vehicles are part of The Rapid’s GO!Bus program, which provides services to seniors and people with disabilities who cannot utilize fixed-route services.

In 2015, The Rapid began replacing outdated paratransit gasoline and diesel buses with propane buses. The decision was made to meet its air quality and cost reduction goals.

“We were looking for a greener fuel type, domestic production and stable pricing. Propane hit all three requirements,” said Steve Schipper, chief operating officer for The Rapid.

This commitment to air quality and leading the charge in clean transit is shown through the company’s diverse fleet. With 227 total buses in its fixed route BRT and paratransit demand response services, The Rapid has compressed natural gas/renewable natural gas, diesel/electric hybrid, propane, electric, and gasoline vehicles.

As the gasoline paratransit buses reached the end of their lifecycle, propane was the top pick as an alternative green fuel as it fit into the fleet nicely and served GO!Bus customers well.

“Propane is a cleaner gas, and one of the reasons we switched to propane is that the Environmental Protection Agency considers propane a clean green fuel,” said Steven Clapp, director of fleet maintenance for The Rapid

Drivability is another area that the agency’s drivers appreciate. With a range of 350 miles on a single fueling, the vehicles can service larger areas for longer periods of time.

The fueling process itself is simple and comparable to conventional fueling at eight to 10 gallons per minute. Buses can also handle intense winters like those found in Michigan, with quick cabin warm-ups and the ability to start up in cold temperatures as low as negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit.