Indiana Transit Authority Deploys First CNG Bus

On Wednesday, South Bend, Indiana’s Transpo received the first of 16 new CNG-powered New Flyer Xcelsior transit buses that will replace 15-year old vehicles that have reached or exceeded their useful life. The new bus represents Transpo’s first new bus in over 11 years. The 35-foot fixed-route buses will provide service throughout South Bend and Mishawaka. The buses were purchased with Federal Transit Administration funds, which require a 20 percent local match. “As we strategically plan for the future, the new buses utilizing CNG will help reduce our operating costs and ultimately provide us with the needed resources to maintain our current level of service,” said David Cangany, Transpo General Manager. Transpo and the City of South Bend previously announced a partnership to build the first fast- fuel CNG facility in the region that will be open to the public. Transpo expects to break ground on the new facility later this year. The fueling facility is expected to be operational in early 2015. Transpo expects to have all 16 new buses on property by the end of the year. Once the vehicles are on site, inspections will be completed, equipment installed and training will take place. The buses should be ready to go into service in early 2015.