Photo: TransNet

As part of its long-term sustainability plan to reduce its impact on the planet, TransNet’s paratransit fleet is operating 34 Ford E-450 shuttles running on LPG and equipped with ROUSH CleanTech technology. By running Autogas vehicles, TransNet is eliminating more than 3.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the shuttles’ lifetime. Plus, the organisation will emit fewer greenhouse gases, smog-producing hydrocarbons, and virtually eliminating particulate emissions versus comparable gasoline models.

TransNet’s paratransit shuttles are used as demand-responsive transportation for its community. In an average (pre-COVID-19) year, each of TransNet’s vehicles travel almost 25,000 miles to transport aging community members, persons with disabilities, persons on medical assistance, school children, and commuters.

“We take major strides to reduce TransNet’s carbon footprint and lessen harmful emissions, and our clean-operating Autogas paratransit shuttles are a big part of that effort,” said Susan Kopystecki, executive director of TransNet. “We all have an obligation to protect our planet, on Earth Day and every day.”

To understand its alternative fuel choices, TransNet joined Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation (EP-ACT), which assisted in securing $300,000 in funding from Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Programme.

“PennDOT also played a key role in assisting TransNet through the process of adopting Autogas vehicles and will continue to be a factor with future conversions of new grant vehicles,” added Kopystecki.

“Our Gen 5 Autogas system integrates the new powerhouse Ford 7.3L engine that is leaner, meaner and greener — making it more compact, more powerful and easier to maintain,” said Ryan Zic, vice president of sales of ROUSH CleanTech.

TransNet partnered with Sharp Energy, a subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, to fuel its fleet. For more information, please check this link.

12 May 2021