Setting a new clean air standard and fulfilling a goal to be a leader in Hawaii in offering guests tour vehicles that promote sustainability, Travel Plaza Transportation (TTT), is converting its entire fleet of commercial tour buses to Autogas by 2020. TPT is a subsidiary of JTB Hawaii Inc. and one of the Hawaii’s most experienced tour companies.

The eco-friendly initiative was launched on June 2 at a ceremony at TPT’s Kahului Bus Facility to debut three new eco-friendly El Dorado Aerotech 240 propane-powered minibuses that go into service in mid-June, making them the first propane buses to be introduced in the state of Hawaii.

Each of the three new Autogas tour buses, as well as any new bus entering TPT’s fleet, will reduce its carbon footprint by 73% and 78% per bus, respectively, versus using diesel- and gasoline-powered vehicles. In addition, TPT will realize fuel and maintenance cost savings of approximately $5,000 annually per bus. Most importantly, TPT’s commitment will help the County of Maui and State of Hawaii achieve its clean energy goals.

“With the advanced technology of our new propane buses, we can continue to support Maui’s visitor industry by providing a comfortable, quality tour experience, while having far less impact on the environment,” said Tsukasa Harufuku, president and CEO of JTB Hawaii. “We are very proud to be doing our part to help meet the energy-efficiency targets that our elected officials have established for the County of Maui and State of Hawai‘i.”

“We’re making this commitment because it is the right thing to do from a business and community perspective for the future of our island and state’s well-being,” said Yujiro Kuwabara, TPT president. “We are not sacrificing any quality with these El Dorado minibuses, as they deliver on all the comforts that guests expect when touring the roadways of Maui.”

“We are honoured that Travel Plaza Transportation selected us as a valued partner in this clean energy endeavour for vehicle fuel. Hawaii Gas applauds TPT’s commitment toward innovative strategies in protecting our delicate environment in Hawaii. Propane is one of the cleanest burning fuels, which is why both propane and natural gas are widely used for commercial transportation on the Mainland,” said Hawaii Gas President and CEO Alicia Moy.

TPT’s 25-seat Aerotech 240 propane buses were built in Kansas by El Dorado Bus Company. They are equipped with a Ford Propane Harden Valve Package (E-450 6.8L Gas Chassis) to ensure there is plenty of power and that no performance is compromised when carrying guests.