JACKSON, MI - With the purchase of four propane buses, most of Jackson Public Schools' 41 regular-route buses are now powered by propane.
The buses are two years old - allowing the district to pay roughly $62,000 for each of them, instead of the $100,000 price tag on a new one, said JPS Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations John Ruddell.
The $250,000 purchase was approved by the JPS Board of Education Oct. 8.
School demolition prep begins as district starts $87 million in projects
The demolition of Cascades Elementary School is one of the first bond projects for Jackson Public Schools.
The money comes from a $86.7 million bond passed by voters in May. The district plans to buy 20 total buses uses the bond money - and this purchase makes 11.
In addition to environmental benefits of the cleaner burning fuel, Ruddell said each propane bus saves the district $4,000 per bus on fuel each year. The district can buy propane at about $1.10 per gallon, compared to $3 per gallon for diesel, Ruddell said.
New buses also help lower the vehicle maintenance costs for the general fund. The buses being replaced are from 1999 and 2000, he said.
"We're still trying to do the best by our taxpayers," Ruddell said. "We're looking for deals and ways to save money as we come across it. As we move through the bond, we're going to look for other ways to save money and make our dollar go further."
