Virginia’s efforts toward cleaner fleet operations gained momentum this week with the opening of a new propane refueling station in Sandstone, near Richmond International Airport. The facility will support local fleet operators, including Henrico County Public Schools’ propane-powered buses and Park ‘N Go’s airport shuttle trucks, providing a reliable and cost-effective fueling option with a 1,990-gallon tank and state-of-the-art distribution system.
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According to the Richmond-based Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), propane vehicles can reduce harmful emissions by up to 96% and lower operating costs by up to 50% compared to diesel.
“When communities invest in clean transportation like propane, everyone benefits — from the students who ride the buses to the neighborhoods they travel through and the businesses that save money,” said Tucker Perkins, PERC president and CEO. “This is what the future of the transportation fleet looks like, and I’m proud to see it taking shape here in Virginia.”
For Henrico County Schools, the new station is part of an ongoing effort to modernize student transportation. The district added 10 propane buses earlier this year, serving hundreds of students each day with quieter, cleaner rides and lower emissions.
“This new facility reinforces our commitment to protecting air quality and the health of our students,” said Lenny Pritchard, chief operating officer of Henrico County Public Schools. “With this refueling station, we can continue to expand our propane fleet and ensure sustainable, reliable transportation for students for years to come.”
Park ‘N Go, which provides shuttle services to and from Richmond International Airport, has also adopted propane as part of its sustainability strategy.
“Having a station close to the airport makes a big difference,” said Rick Fairchild II, Park ‘N Go’s director of technology. “Previously, we had to travel to distant refueling stations. Now we can easily refuel close to our routes while maintaining reliable service for travelers.”
The new station reflects Virginia’s growing investment in low-carbon fuels. In 2024, the state approved a contract to supply public fleets with propane and renewable propane, a next-generation alternative derived from sustainable feedstocks. The agreement ensures long-term price stability and supports clean operations for school districts, transportation agencies and government fleets statewide.
“This plant represents another step forward in expanding access to clean, affordable energy,” said Matthew Wade, deputy director of Virginia Clean Cities (VCC). “It’s about giving fleet operators the infrastructure they need to switch to renewable propane and reduce their environmental footprint.”
The project was developed in partnership with local propane supplier Alliance AutoGas. “We are proud to support Virginia’s clean transportation goals by providing reliable, easy-to-use fueling infrastructure,” said Steve McCoy, vice president of business development at Alliance AutoGas. “Plants like this help fleets transition to cleaner energy without increasing costs or complicating operations.”
At the launch, visitors viewed an array of propane-powered vehicles and equipment, from school buses and airport shuttles to construction trucks and lawn care machines. Several dual-fuel systems capable of running on propane and gasoline are on offer, providing operators with greater flexibility, range and efficiency.
The opening of the Sandstone station marks another milestone in Virginia’s journey toward sustainable transportation – making clean, affordable energy accessible to public and private fleets alike.
