GREENSBORO, N.C., October 27, 2025 — Students at Dudley High School, one of 27 high schools in the Guilford County Schools district, will soon board new buses. At a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, the district unveiled 10 Blue Bird Vision Propane school buses that will run on cost-effective, clean-operating propane autogas.
“Guilford County Schools is proud to lead the way in bringing more sustainable and cost-effective transportation options to our community,” said Faye Crowder-Phillips, executive director of transportation for Guilford County Schools. “These propane-powered buses reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, fiscal responsibility, and environmental stewardship.”
Each of the new 2025 Blue Bird Vision Propane 72-passenger school buses comes equipped with a 7.3L V8 Ford engine and ROUSH CleanTech propane fuel system. Ford’s 335-horsepower 7.3L engine is compact, powerful and easy to maintain. This bus retains equivalent horsepower, torque, and warranty coverage as its gas and diesel counterparts.
“Blue Bird is proud to see Guilford County Schools invest in ultra-low emission propane buses,” said Steve Whaley, propane product segment leader for Blue Bird Corporation. “These vehicles deliver exceptional performance and up-times while significantly reducing emissions, creating a healthier environment for students and the community, all at a low total cost of ownership.”
Purchased from Blue Bird’s authorized dealer, Gregory Poole Bus Sales and Service, the buses will be fueled at an onsite propane station located at Dudley High School, one of the district’s bus operating locations. Propane autogas fueling infrastructure costs less than any other transportation energy source — conventional or alternative – and was a factor in the district’s decision to invest in propane. Sharp Energy will serve as the fuel provider and was integral to the installation of the district’s 1,990-gallon propane tank.
“Today’s event demonstrates Guilford County Schools’ commitment to provide reliable and safe school bus transportation that also reduces harmful emissions from our air,” said Kirk Burns, bus business sales manager at Gregory Poole.
Near-zero emission propane vehicles reduce smog-producing emissions, eliminate particulate matter and lower nitrogen oxides by 95% compared with diesel-powered school buses. School districts have reported annual savings of up to $3,700 per propane-powered bus due to lower fuel and maintenance costs compared to a diesel-powered bus.
“Propane autogas is a proven solution for school districts looking to lower costs and their carbon footprint without compromising on performance or reliability,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of ROUSH CleanTech. “We’re excited to see Guilford County Schools lead the way in adopting this cleaner, cost-effective technology in North Carolina.”
Blue Bird is the only U.S.-owned and operated school bus manufacturer in the United States. The company remains the proven clean transportation leader with more than 22,000 propane school buses operating in over 1,100 districts across North America.