District 211 buses create a lecture at Fremd High School

Buses rolled into the parking lot at Fremd High School recently, but the students didn’t get on.

Instead, they got a lesson from Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211 Director of Transportation Diana Mikelski — learning about the propane-powered buses’ advantages over the usual diesel.

The buses, each with its hood popped open to showcase its engine, were helpful props. Each bus was then started to demonstrate the difference of each fuel type.

The lecture, delivered to three sections of Fremd’s Advanced Placement Environmental Science class, focused in part on the absence of fumes many associate with buses. The students submitted questions that were discussed and answered.

Propane, Mikelski said, doesn’t coat the air with smoke and odors like diesel. Propane buses can travel to all locations a diesel would in District 211 — plus, they warm up more quickly on cold winter days, are easier to maintain, are generally more reliable and are far quieter when running. Propane fuel is less expensive than diesel and does not require extra additives.

There are 11 routes with propane buses operating out of Fremd — part of a growing fleet powered by alternate means. District 211, which owns its own buses, has only 67 diesel buses remaining.

In 2023, the district won a national Green Fleet Award for its efforts, and the district’s push for propane buses has been a hot news item, profiled even on national television.

“We are leading the way for others,” Mikelski said. “Our propane solution is saving taxpayers money, and providing reliable and safe vehicles for students. Going green is great.”