Public transit agency Laketran has been designated as an Ohio Green Fleet by Clean Fuels Ohio’s state-wide programme, after introducing Autogas vehicles to its fleet. This programme recognises fleets efficiency and environmental performance, and has acknowledged Laketran’s commitment to being environmentally responsibility by improving air quality and reducing Ohio’s dependence on imported petroleum.

“It’s an honour to be recognised by Ohio Green Fleets,” said Laketran CEO Ben Capelle. “Laketran is in the process of converting our 88 bus Dial-a-Ride fleet to Autogas and will have 27 vehicles operating on cleaner burning LPG by early 2019 – transitioning 31% of the fleet’s fuel to LPG.” While dependent on federal funding, Laketran’s goal is to transition the entire fleet in five to seven years.

Vehicle fleets are evaluated based on their reliance on petroleum fuels and policies the agency has implemented to reduce vehicle emissions. Designation as a Three-Star Ohio Green Fleet demonstrates that robust steps have been taken toward improving a fleet’s overall efficiency and emissions profile. Fleets achieving a Three-Star certification have been able to apply technologies to significant portions of their vehicle fleet, attaining thorough reductions in vehicle emissions and petroleum fuel use.

“Our Dial-a-Ride fleet is converting to Autogas, and Laketran was just awarded federal funding to bring the first battery-operated electric buses to Ohio,” shared board president Brian Falkowski. “If we can find a way to operate more efficiently and environmentally friendly, we’re going to responsibly do just that.”

Dial-a-Ride, Laketran’s door-to-door, shared-ride service primarily used by seniors and people with disabilities, provides 300,000 trips annually and has seen a 14% increase in ridership over the last three years. For more information, please visit this link.

21 November 2018