New York Transit Authority Adding CNG Buses to Fleet

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced that Metro has introduced new CNG vehicles to its transit fleet, as the agency takes the initiative toward implementing a greener mode of public transportation.

Metro will begin operating the first of 44 full-size buses, first of 10 paratransit vans and two MV-1 supervisor vehicles, all powered by natural gas. The new buses and vans will replace the oldest diesel vehicles currently in use.

“I want to thank our federal and state delegations for their collective efforts in securing essential funds for these vehicles,” said Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA executive director. “This investment in New York’s transportation infrastructure magnifies the ongoing synergy between public transit investment, job creation and economic growth in western New York and further enhances the current fiscal stability of the NFTA in the process.”

The new 40-foot buses were manufactured in Plattsburg, New York, by Nova Bus. Nineteen additional full size buses will be phased into service between now and February 1. The remainder of the 44 buses (24) are expected to be carrying customers throughout the region later this summer.

Procurement of these vehicles is supported by $3.8 million in new New York State Accelerated Transit Capital funding provided to the NFTA through the 2015-16 New York State budget.

The paratransit vans, manufactured in Canandaigua, New York, by Shepard Brothers, will be used to provide customers with special needs who depend on Metro paratransit services for transportation. Nine additional CNG fueled vans will be incorporated into operation by February 1.

A $5.9 million state-of-the-art CNG fueling facility at Metro’s Frontier Bus facility is in the commissioning phase and buses are presently being fueled as part of the process. The fueling station encompasses one and a half acres and features two 250-hp compressors that will serve four fuel dispensers. The facility is expected to be fully operational January 25.