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For school districts, fuel isn’t just a line item—it’s one of the largest ongoing costs in fleet operations. Even small differences in fuel efficiency can mean thousands of dollars in annual expenses per bus.

But how much should you expect to spend? And how do different fuel types—diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric—compare?

This guide breaks down fuel costs per bus, shows how capacity plays into fleet decisions, and gives you a simple way to calculate your own costs based on real-world data.

Annual Fuel Costs per Bus by Type

Fuel efficiency varies by bus type, directly impacting operational costs. Below are estimates based on 12,000 miles per year, a typical figure for school bus routes, with fuel priced at 2024 national averages.

• Type A Bus (Minotour®, Gas) – Averages 9 MPG, consuming around 1,333 gallons per year, for an estimated $4,652 in fuel costs.

• Type C Bus (Saf-T-Liner® C2, Diesel) – Averages 8 MPG, consuming about 1,500 gallons per year, for an estimated $5,235 in fuel costs.

• Type D Bus (Saf-T-Liner® EFX/HDX, Diesel) – Similar to Type C, averaging 6.6 MPG, for a $6,345 per year fuel estimate.

• Electric Bus (Saf-T-Liner® C2 Jouley) – Instead of MPG, this bus runs about 1.5 kWh per mile and requires 18,000 kWh per year, costing approximately $2,520 in electricity.

How to Estimate Your Own Fuel Costs

If your fleet’s annual mileage is different, or if fuel prices fluctuate, here’s a simple formula:

(Annual Miles ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price = Annual Fuel Cost per Bus

For example, if a Type C bus (diesel) gets 8 MPG and diesel costs $3.49 per gallon:

(12,000 miles ÷ 8 MPG) × $3.49 = $5,235 per year

This calculation works for any fuel type—just substitute in the appropriate MPG (or miles per kWh for electric) and fuel price.

Considering Capacity in Budgeting Decisions

Most districts don’t operate just one type of bus—they balance a mix of Type A, C, and D buses based on route needs, passenger load, and available resources. But fleet composition isn’t just about seating capacity—it also depends on factors like route logistics, driver availability, and licensing requirements.

For example:

• If a Type A bus (small, 30-passenger capacity) costs $4,652 per year to fuel, and a Type C bus (81-passenger capacity) costs $5,2355 per year, then:

• Two Type A buses together would cost about $9,304 per year but carry fewer students than a single Type C bus at roughly the same cost.

Why This Matters

• Some districts opt for 14-passenger Type A buses because they don’t require a CDL, making it easier to find drivers and maintain staffing flexibility.

• The decision between fewer larger buses vs. more smaller buses often comes down to operational efficiency vs. driver availability.

• Consolidating routes may save on fuel costs per mile driven, but that must be balanced with scheduling, staffing, and service needs.

This isn’t about getting an exact per-student fuel cost, but rather understanding how fleet composition affects total operational expenses.

Fuel Cost Considerations for Budget Planning

When budgeting for annual fuel expenses, here are three critical factors to keep in mind:

1. Fuel Prices Fluctuate

• Diesel and gasoline rise and fall based on market conditions.

• Some districts lock in fuel contracts to stabilize costs.

2. Electric Buses Save on Fuel, But Infrastructure Is a Factor

• The fuel savings are clear, but districts must account for charging station installation.

• State and federal grants can help offset the initial investment.

3. Fleet Composition Impacts Fuel Spending

• The types of buses used, and how routes are structured, can significantly affect fuel budgets.

• Two smaller buses may cost more in fuel than one larger bus, even if they cover the same number of students.

Final Takeaways: How to Plan Fuel Costs for Your Fleet

✅ Knowing per-bus fuel costs helps transportation directors plan smarter budgets.
✅ Electric buses significantly cut fuel expenses, but infrastructure is a factor.
✅ Fleet composition matters—sometimes one larger bus is more fuel-efficient than multiple smaller ones.

By understanding how fuel costs break down per bus and how capacity affects budgeting, school districts can make informed financial decisions—whether optimizing diesel operations, planning a transition to electric, or balancing a mixed fleet for cost efficiency.