Cy-Fair ISD’s transportation department has acquired 266 propane buses to replace those that run on diesel, according to a May 6 press release. Funded by the 2019 bond package, officials said the goal was to provide a healthier and cleaner product to the district.

Now approximately 30% of the district’s bus fleet runs on propane, compared to 48% diesel and 22% gasoline. CFISD’s first propane fueling site is already operational at the Falcon Transportation Center near Pridgeon Stadium, and the four remaining transportation centers are slated to receive the same 18,000-gallon tank soon.

Through a federal rebate program, propane fuel will cost the district up to 40% less than diesel and gasoline per gallon.

“Where the cost savings is beneficial to CFISD, the drastic improvement in emissions from the older diesel buses we are replacing to the newer propane buses is the most significant aspect of this transition to propane,” Director of Transportation Kayne Smith said in a statement. “These buses will be cleaner for our students, campuses and community.”

The new vehicles are quieter, run on an emission standard that is at least 118 times cleaner than diesel buses and have engines that are certified beyond the Environmental Protection Agency’s strictest emission standards, officials said.


“It’s a long-term positive investment for the district,” Smith said. “There’s enough analysis out there to be able to see the cost benefit and savings for propane and the health benefits of propane. As we invest in new school buses, let’s invest in clean energy.”