In the U.S., the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Barry J. Schoch will invite four teams to submit proposals for a program to develop clean-burning compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations at public transit agencies around the state that would also be available for use by the public.
“With Pennsylvania now a leading natural gas producer, this project creates opportunities for transit providers and the public to have better access to this fuel for vehicle operations,” said Schoch. “This project will help the people of Pennsylvania realize the benefits this resource is delivering.”
The teams were scored and selected based on criteria including their financial capability to carry out the project; their background and experience in managing comparable projects; and, each team’s understanding of the project.
The teams invited to submit proposals are:
- Clean Energy, Newport Beach, CA
- GP Strategies, Escondido, CA
- Spire, St. Louis, MO
- Trillium CNG, Salt Lake City, UT
PennDOT soon will issue a draft Request for Proposals that the selected teams will review before a final RFP is issued in the spring. PennDOT expects proposals will be required to be submitted by summer, with an award to be made in late summer or early fall.
The selected private partner will design, build, finance, operate and maintain CNG filling stations at up to 37 transit facilities. Each fueling site must provide access to CNG for public transit and other CNG vehicles.
In addition, PennDOT will enter into a CNG supply contract with the selected partner as well as purchase agreements with each of the transit agencies. PennDOT would receive a portion of the fuel sales revenue, with the money being returned to transit agencies to assist with future capital projects.
The project was approved by the state’s P3 Board on Sept. 29 and PennDOT hosted an industry forum to educate potential, private-sector stakeholders on the scope and requirements.
(Source: PennDOT)
