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Public transit workers are some of the unsung heroes of communities. Every day, they help people get to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, community centers, and more. They don’t just provide rides; they are a lifeline that connects communities. That’s why it’s imperative they have the tools they need to provide the best service, starting with the right energy source.
Paratransit fleet owners need an energy source that can safely and reliably transport passengers all while keeping budgets in check. Propane autogas offers that solution. With cleaner emissions, lower fuel and maintenance costs, and a vehicle range that can handle a full day’s schedule, propane autogas gives paratransit fleet owners the power they need to be the lifeline of the community.
That’s what the team at Cherokee Area Transit Service (CATS) in Cherokee County, Georgia, had in mind when they began exploring new fuel options in 2022. As director of the agency, Greg Powell wanted a solution that aligned with clean air goals without creating operational or financial hurdles. After careful research, he chose propane autogas, and the decision quickly proved its value. CATS now has seven propane-powered E-450 paratransit shuttles in the fleet.
A Clean Ride for the Community
Paratransit fleets run unique routes that often include idling in neighborhoods and next to passengers. That’s why choosing a clean energy source for this type of route is important. Propane autogas is 90 percent cleaner than current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and can reduce harmful nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 96 percent compared to diesel. These pollutants are known to trigger respiratory conditions like asthma and bronchitis and reducing them can make a difference in air quality for both passengers and drivers.
Clean air was one of the driving motivators behind Powell’s decision to add a clean energy source into the CATS fleet. In fact, he wanted to choose a fuel that met the Clean Air Act and propane autogas proved to be the best option.
“I feel a real sense of pride in promoting sustainability through our clean fleet. As stewards of taxpayer dollars in Cherokee County, we have a big responsibility to manage resources wisely while providing high-quality transportation,” he said. “Knowing we’re making environmentally responsible choices that save money makes the work feel even more meaningful.”
Making Every Dollar Count
In addition to clean performance, paratransit operators also need a solution that’s cost effective. Propane autogas checks both boxes. It provides the lowest total cost of ownership thanks to its low fuel, maintenance, and refueling infrastructure costs. Many fleet owners see an average fuel cost savings of up to 50 percent compared to gasoline or diesel.
Cost savings were a major factor in Powell’s decision to invest in propane vehicles for CATS. “Propane offers a cost savings measure to the operation,” said Powell. “Georgia’s average fuel cost is $3.04 per gallon, and our propane cost is $2.34 per gallon. Tack on our 36-cent per gallon rebate, and we are paying $1.97 per gallon, which is a savings of $1.59 per gallon.”
While the upfront cost of propane autogas vehicles can be slightly higher than diesel and gasoline, the cost savings on fuel more than make up for it. In Powell’s case, rebates and additional funding sources also helped. Over just one year, Powell said the first three propane buses the county purchased generated more than $5,100 in fuel rebates through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).
The savings didn’t stop there. CATS took advantage of additional grant funding and a vendor incentive from AmeriGas, the propane supplier for the county, that further reduced their upfront costs. When it all added up, the county’s share for three propane buses was $25,000 less than the cost of purchasing gasoline models.
“When I present this to our Board of Commissioners, it’s not difficult to show what makes the most sense,” Powell said.
Reliability for the Road Ahead
There’s nothing more frustrating for a public transit passenger than when their ride is late, or worse, cancelled. Paratransit fleet owners understand the need for reliable transportation better than most. CATS’ paratransit vehicles experience a range of up to 300 miles, which eliminates potential delays that arise when drivers must stop to refuel mid-shift. Most fleet owners choose to install on-site refueling for added convenience and limited downtime, allowing drivers to return to base and refuel at the end of a shift.
At CATS, the range of the propane autogas-powered E-450s has been more than sufficient to meet daily route demands, according to Powell. The agency currently leases a 1,990-gallon tank and operates one dedicated fueling station, making it easy to refuel without interrupting service.
“The drivers make it through their shifts reliably without issue,” said Powell. “They also like that they can fuel on site and not have to go to the gas station, which is a plus. They love the vehicles. And after they drive one, they ask if that could be their vehicle.”
Trusted Partners Fleet Owners Can Count On
Taking the first step toward transitioning to a new energy source may feel overwhelming. But the propane autogas industry is backed by decades of experience. The widespread network and supportive vendors make it easy to plan, scale, and adapt fueling strategies without compromise. Today, there are more than 3,000 propane suppliers and hundreds of repair facilities across the nation that are certified to work on propane autogas vehicles. The Propane Education & Research Council, OEMs, and many others also provide specialized training for servicing propane autogas engines, ensuring fleet owners are never on their own to work through any issues.
These partnerships proved to be critical for CATS. When supply chain delays threatened delivery timelines for new vehicles, the agency’s fuel and equipment partners stepped in.
“We’ve built partnerships with our vendors that paid dividends,” said Powell. “When supply chain issues severely delayed the production of some of the buses, ROUSH CleanTech stepped in. With their help, we were able to receive the buses on time. Additionally, AmeriGas has been instrumental in helping design the new fueling island at our future facility.”
From vehicle acquisition to daily fueling, the right partnerships make it easier for fleet managers to focus on what matters most: delivering safe, consistent service to the people who rely on it every day.
A Trusted Fuel for the People that Count on You
For paratransit providers, every decision matters because every rider matters. Choosing a clean energy like propane autogas not only helps paratransit providers maintain budgets, but it provides a better overall experience for passengers with reliable service and a cleaner ride.
Greg Powell and the team at CATS have shown how a smooth transition to propane autogas can deliver results for riders, for drivers, and for the broader community. Whether you’re looking to reduce emissions, cut costs, or improve reliability, propane autogas offers a practical, proven path forward. Learn how it can support your agency’s goals at Propane.com/Paratransit.