Three new propane-fueled shuttle buses have been added to West Chester University’s transportation fleet as part of the university’s longstanding commitment to help save the planet by reducing carbon emissions and emitting fewer greenhouse gases on campus.

As an added environmental advantage, the vehicles also emit fewer smog-producing hydrocarbons and particulate emissions than conventional fuels. Golden Rams can now be seen shuttling back and forth to campus on purple and gold buses that have been ‘ramified’ to stand out while remaining green. 

“As part of the university’s contract with Krapf School Bus, WCU receives three dedicated buses that are used exclusively on our campus,” said Todd Murphy, vice president for finance and administration. “In an effort to support the university’s intentional commitment to implement sustainable practices, Campus Services worked hard to make sure our new contract with Krapf included an option to provide buses with alternative fuels. Krapf made it happen; we now have three Blue Bird buses with Roush propane conversion kits and we look forward to adding more in the near future.”

The clean, cost-effective vehicles, which are equipped with ROUSH CleanTech’s liquid propane Autogas fuel system, retain equivalent horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and warranty coverage as gasoline-fueled counterparts. The propane buses are also considerably quieter than their counterparts.

In addition to being eco-friendly, the propane buses are practical, too. According to a 2021 Energy Department Clean Cities study, Propane Autogas is the most efficient medium-duty transit bus fuel option based on cost and lifecycle compared to all fuel types.

The university continues to lead the way in sustainable efforts. Recently earning a STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) Silver rating from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, the University includesSustainability as one of its five strategic priority areas and is in the process of updating its Climate Action Plan: Carbon Neutrality by 2025.

“As responsible citizens, the members of our community are working hard to do their part to protect the earth,” said President of West Chester University Chris Fiorentino. “Over the years, West Chester University’s commitment to sustainability has grown. While there is much more to do, I am proud that we have taken important steps to help transform our environment for future generations. From installing the second largest university geothermal system in the nation to today’s initial fleet of propane shuttles, our actions demonstrate that we are serious about doing the work that needs to be done.”

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