BC Transit to Complete Transition to All-CNG Bus Fleet in Nanaimo

The delivery of 24 New Flyer buses this winter means that the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) will boast a fully CNG-powered fleet. CNG-fueled buses reduce operating costs for BC Transit and for Nanaimo as the fuel is less expensive and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional transit vehicles.

“These additional 24 CNG buses will build off the success of the first 25, and will make Nanaimo our first fully CNG fleet,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “We look forward to introducing CNG technology to more communities across the province.”

According to FortisBC, using CNG reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 15 to 25 percent, and it also costs 25 to 50 percent less than traditional diesel fuel. Production of clean-burning CNG also supports British Columbians across the province, providing meaningful employment in both rural and urban communities.

The purchase of the 24 new vehicles represents an investment of $15.4 million in the Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System. To help offset the initial costs associated with the purchase of the new CNG buses, FortisBC will provide funding of up to $480,000. This funding represents 50 percent of the cost differential of CNG buses over diesel counterparts.

The successful CNG rollout sets an example for the rest of the province and country of how best in class technology can be used to deliver dependable transportation solutions, that in turn also help create a greener, more sustainable future. The 24 new CNG-powered buses are being delivered to the RDN throughout January and February. All buses are expected to be in service by the end of the Spring.