Virginia’s push toward cleaner fleet operations gained momentum this week with the opening of a new propane autogas refueling station in Sandston, 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 vans, offering a dependable and cost-effective fueling option through its 1,990-gallon tank and modern dispenser system.

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According to the Richmond-based Propane Education & Research Council (PERC), propane autogas vehicles can cut harmful emissions by up to 96% and lower operating costs by as much as 50% compared with diesel.

“When communities invest in clean transportation like propane autogas, everyone benefits—from the students riding the buses to the neighborhoods they travel through and the businesses that save money,” said Tucker Perkins, president and CEO of PERC. “This is what the future of fleet transportation 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 reduced emissions.

“This new facility strengthens our commitment to protecting air quality and our students’ health,” said Lenny Pritchard, chief of operations for Henrico County Public Schools. “With this refueling station, we can continue expanding our propane fleet and ensure sustainable, reliable student transportation for years to come.”

Park ‘N Go, which provides shuttle services to and from Richmond International Airport, has also adopted propane autogas as part of its sustainability strategy.

“Having a station close to the airport makes a big difference,” said Rick Fairchild II, technology manager at Park ‘N Go. “Previously, we had to travel to distant fueling terminals. Now we can conveniently refuel near 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 fuel public fleets with both propane and renewable propane—a next-generation alternative derived from sustainable feedstocks. The agreement ensures long-term price stability and supports cleaner operations for school districts, transit agencies, and government fleets statewide.

“This station marks 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 make the switch to renewable propane and reduce their environmental footprint.”

The project was developed in partnership with local propane supplier Alliance AutoGas. “We’re proud to support Virginia’s clean transportation goals by providing reliable, easy-to-use refueling infrastructure,” said Steve McCoy, vice president of business development at Alliance AutoGas. “Stations like this help fleets transition to cleaner energy without increasing costs or complicating operations.”

At the launch event, visitors viewed an array of propane-powered vehicles and equipment—from school buses and airport shuttles to construction trucks and lawn care machinery. Several showcased bi-fuel systems capable of running on both propane and gasoline, offering operators greater flexibility, range, and efficiency.

The opening of the Sandston station marks another milestone in Virginia’s journey toward sustainable transportation—making clean, affordable energy more accessible to public and private fleets alike.