PSD Moves Towards Cleaner, More Affordable Bus Fuel

The Puyallup School District is updating how it fuels and maintains its bus fleet, combining new infrastructure projects with the arrival of propane-powered school buses.  

New Fuel Stations and Infrastructure Upgrades 

Two capital projects mark a shift in how the district fuels its bus fleet and manages aging infrastructure. 

At the Downtown Transportation campus, crews removed two 32-year-old fuel tanks that will no longer be eligible for insurance coverage beginning next year. The aging fuel island was decommissioned, the tanks were removed, and the site was restored with new fill dirt and asphalt. 

At the South Hill campus, crews will install an above-ground unleaded fuel tank and dispenser, along with a separate propane tank and dispensers. New fuel vending software will allow staff to track fuel use by driver and vehicle.

Diesel buses will continue to play a role in the district's transportation fleet, particularly on routes requiring higher passenger capacity. Propane buses will primarily replace older diesel and gasoline vehicles. 

Together, these projects modernize the district's transportation infrastructure while supporting a transition to cleaner, more affordable fuel for students who ride the bus each day. 

New Propane Buses Join the Fleet  

The district's transition to propane-powered buses moved forward in February 2025 when it finalized plans to add propane vehicles to its fleet. 

In total, the district has received 23 propane buses. The new buses replace older vehicles that have reached the end of their service life under the state's depreciation schedule, helping ensure the district continues to provide reliable transportation for students. 

"By transition to propane-powered buses, we're investing in a more sustainable future while continuing to offer safe and reliable transportation for our students," said Quavion Swazer, Director of Transportation. "This reduces our environmental impact, manages costs responsibly, and benefits both taxpayers and the broader community." 

Why Propane? 

When the district determined the downtown fuel island had reached the end of its useful life, it chose to incorporate propane into its long-term fueling strategy. The decision reflects a growing trend among school districts nationwide. 

Propane buses offer several advantages over traditional diesel vehicles: 

• Cleaner emissions: Propane produces fewer emissions than diesel, helping improve air quality around bus stops and school buildings. 

• Lower operating costs: Propane typically costs less than diesel, and propane engines generally require less maintenance over time. Propane buses also cost less to purchase than electric buses. 

• Quieter rides: Propane buses operate more quietly than diesel models, reducing noise levels both inside and outside the vehicle. 

• Reliable cold-weather performance: Propane engines start more easily in cold temperatures and perform consistently regardless of weather conditions or route length. 

While the district continues to monitor advances in electric bus technology, it does not currently have the infrastructure needed to support electric buses at scale. Electric buses also require specialized training and third-party support for maintenance and repairs, which can increase costs and downtime. Propane buses allow the district to maintain and service vehicles in-house while continuing to move toward cleaner transportation options. 

According to Swazer, the transition reflects a balanced approach to student transportation.