Atlanta City Jitney Association shows off its first CNG-powered prototype.
In the US State of New Jersey, the Atlantic City Jitney Association is replacing its 190-strong fleet with new jitneys (small buses) that operate on compressed natural gas, reports Press of Atlantic City. The first prototype, resplendent in new green colors to symbolize the reduced environmental impact of CNG as a vehicle fuel, has been test-driven and received glowing approval. If all goes well, the Association expects the first forty jitneys to be carrying passengers by start of July and the balance of vehicles on the road in another three to four months.
Fleets&Fuels notes the buses have been converted to compressed natural gas operation by California’s Creative Bus Sales, using CARB and EPA certified CNG conversion systems by BAF Technologies which comply with NFPA 52 Code-2006, Title 13.
T.J. Matijevich, Director of Marketing for Creative Bus Sales, says, “The vehicles being converted to compressed natural gas are Starcraft All-star buses on the Ford E-450 chassis with the 6.8L engine. The vehicles will run on a dedicated compressed natural gasoline only fuel system. The range is vary from 180 miles up to 240 miles depending on the final design of the fuel system.”
All use Luxfer Type III cylinders with OMB solenoid valves. Total fuel capacity is 28 GGE (gasoline gallon equivalent), using two A1159D (111 liter) and one A1134D (112 liter) under floor strap mounted cylinders.
According to the press report, Association President Mr Tom Woodruff expects drivers to save at least 50 cents per gallon on gasoline, along with continued savings through less frequent oil changes and fewer replacements of gas injectors.
The fleet’s overhaul combined the efforts of the association with Clean Energy Fuels Corp and has been assisted by the $300 million national stimulus funding scheme. Clean Energy is building a new CNG fuelling facility for the Atlantic County Utilities Authority (ACUA), to accommodate 15 new CNG trash trucks that will be added to its fleet. The city jitneys will share that site until it establishes its own. The ACUA facility is expected to be fully operational by July 1.
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