The Mass Transportation Authority unveiled some of its new next generation of alternative fuel vehicles on Aug. 10. The organization continues to add these environmentally friendly vehicles to the fleet with the addition of compressed natural gas (CNG) commuter coaches, propane mini-buses, propane powered service trucks and a new 8th generation hydrogen fuel cell bus made entirely in America. All of these vehicles will be on the road within the next few weeks and will tremendously improve efforts to become a 100 percent alternative fueled fleet.
“The Mass Transportation Authority is excited to be able to introduce these additional alternative fuel vehicles,” Ed Benning, general manager/CEO stated. “These environmentally responsible alternative fuel vehicles will allow the organization to move closer to a 100 percent alternative fuel platform. The all-American built 8th generation hydrogen fuel cell bus was a result of a consortium between El Dorado National, Ballard Fuel Cell and BAE Systems. The bus, which is built on a stainless steel body with a total weight of approximately 34,000 pounds, will allow the Mass Transportation Authority to gain further experience on the use of hydrogen technology,” Benning said. “This is about the future and what role hydrogen will play in our community today and looking forward. The addition of these new vehicles into the fleet will provide for a green operating environment, less dependency on diesel fuels, and more stability in the days ahead. We have a long way to go and by introducing these vehicles, it moves us a step closer to the next phase in our effort to reduce our dependency on fossil fuel. Today the MTA still operates a large amount of diesel-powered vehicles that must be replaced; some of those vehicles are over 30 years in age.”
In preparation of the of the new compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles the MTA is in the process of building a new CNG bus storage facility (which will house up to 20 CNG commuter coaches). In addition, the organization is preparing for the construction of a new Davison Service Center that will serve as a hub for Otisville, Richfield Township, and Davison to provide better storage of the new alternative fuel vehicles that are currently being purchased.
“The Mass Transportation Authority continues to invest in the future and these new upgrades put us in a position to prepare for that future and the public transportation needs in our community today and tomorrow”
