In an effort to keep up with current eco-friendly trends, Parkway purchased 30 new green buses that run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
While traditionally used diesel gas is synthesized by refining crude oil, CNG can be created by compressing natural gas. CNG is considered safer than diesel, gasoline, and propane because it produces fewer dangerous gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, CNG is safer in the event of a gas spill because of its light density and ability to disperse quickly when released.
“Parkway continues to demonstrate leadership with regards to environmental sustainability,” Mr. Erik Lueders, sustainability and purchasing manager, said. “While natural gas is indeed a fossil fuel, it is a cleaner burning and cheaper fuel. Therefore we’re able to both do our part for the environment while saving money off of fuel costs so that we can better spend that money achieving our mission.”
Director of transportation Mr. Will Rosa began exploring options for using natural gas as a viable alternative fuel. After speaking with Laclede Gas, Rosa with the help of Ms. Denise Pupillo, director of grants and gifted students, discovered Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) funding through the East West Gateway Council of Government. Rosa met with the council to discuss possible alternatives for a “yellow bus green bus” initiative.
“Although [the plan] seemed like a long shot, [East West Gateway Council of Government] did not discourage us from applying,” Rosa said. “I think they liked the novelty of our idea and how it could positively impact students.”
After the East West Gateway council approved the submitted plan, Parkway was awarded $1.5 million for the project. While the grant does not cover the total cost of the project, it will pay for 80% of the intended costs. The money will go towards the cost difference between a diesel bus and a CNG bus, as well as providing funding for fueling infrastructure.
“CNG buses cost a bit more money up-front, but have long term savings,” Lueders said. “Natural gas is currently a cheaper fuel so over time, the cost difference will save us more money in the end.”
In addition to providing eco-friendly benefits, the CNG buses will also prove to be cost efficient in the upcoming years. While current prices for diesel gas average around $3.35 per gallon, the diesel gallon equivalent (DGE) for natural gas is much cheaper. Parkway currently pays $1.80 per gallon at the airport public station for gas. Rosa predicts that the DGE will be closer to $1.05 when the on-site fuel station is fully functional.
“It is nice to know when we are paying $3.35 a gallon for diesel fuel that we can expect to pay maybe $1.25 per DGE,” Rosa said. “How does that help? It means more money can be directed toward student learning.”
While the new buses will have a noticeable effect on the district’s eco-trends, students may not notice significant differences with the physical bus. Senior Shane Wille rides one of the CNG buses and said he has noticed the quieter engine and lack of a distinct smell.
“These are both definite pluses [of the new buses],” Wille said. “It’s hard to take in the small differences, but the buses are definitely cleaner, bigger, and fancier-looking.”
Missouri is the third state to initiate CNG buses in public school districts. Three years ago, Kansas purchased 49 CNG buses with room for 75 total in a 150 bus fleet. Many school districts in California have also switched their regular diesel buses for the CNG buses. In addition to Parkway, Lee’s Summit School District has purchased 106 CNG buses to cover almost all of their bus routes.
“In the Midwest, school districts like Parkway and Lee’s Summit are leading the way toward a cleaner future,” Rosa said.
Lueders said that many other schools in the St. Louis area have expressed interest in learning what Parkway has accomplished with the CNG buses. He expects some of these districts to attend Parkway’s CNG kickoff event, “Growing Up Green,” which was held April 3 at West High.
“So far we have had a lot of positive feedback,” Lueders said. “The comments have been that of cost savings, environmental stewardship, and even bus safety. While some people may hear the words ‘compressed’ and ‘gas’ together, they may think a greater degree of safety concerns. The truth is, compressed natural gas is a safer fuel than gasoline or diesel.”
