27 New Flyer CNG buses for Omnitrans
Omnitrans, the public transit agency serving the San Bernardino Valley, California, is completing its transition to a 100% alternative-fuelled fleet. Delivery and commissioning of 27 new 40-foot low-floor CNG buses manufactured by New Flyer Inc. of Canada will end the transition phase that commenced in 1997. “Omnitrans embraced CNG bus engine technology early on as part of our commitment to being environmentally friendly,” said CEO/General Manager Durand L. Rall. “With this purchase, we are replacing the last of our diesel buses as well as our first generation of CNG buses.”
In a press release Omnitrans remarks upon the environmental benefits of using CNG. “Natural gas buses reduce smog-forming emissions by 87% compared to diesel buses. Using Omnitrans for one day instead of driving cuts carbon emissions by 20 pounds. Over a year, that translates to nearly 5,000 pounds of emissions.”
Funding sources include the Federal Transportation Administration, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funds, State Transit Assistance Funds and Local Transportation Funds. A grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District contributed $30,000 per vehicle.
Powered by a larger 8.9L Cummins natural gas engine that meets 2010 Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emissions levels, the new buses bring the fleet total to 167.
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