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San Bernardino, CA – The first of 27 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses will begin transporting Omnitrans passengers this week. With their arrival, the transit agency will complete the transition to a 100 percent alternatively-fueled fleet, a journey that began in 1997.
“Omnitrans embraced CNG bus engine technology early on as part of our commitment to being environmentally friendly,” said CEO/General Manager Durand L. Rall. “With this purchase, we are replacing the last of our diesel buses as well as our first generation of CNG buses.”
Natural gas buses reduce smog-forming emissions by 87% compared to diesel buses. Using Omnitrans for one day instead of driving cuts carbon emissions by 20 pounds. Over a year, that translates to nearly 5,000 pounds of emissions.
The 40-foot long transit buses cost $525,500 each and are manufactured by New Flyer Inc. of Winnipeg, Canada with final assembly in Crookston, Minnesota. Funding sources include the Federal Transportation Administration, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Funds, State Transit Assistance Funds and Local Transportation Funds. A grant from the South Coast Air Quality Management District contributed $30,000 per vehicle.
New buses feature a larger 8.9L Cummins natural gas engine and a new cooling fan system to enhance fuel economy. The engine not only meets 2010 Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board emissions levels today, it also sets a new benchmark for lower alternative fuel vehicle life cycle costs.
Passengers are mostly likely to notice the upgraded fare box. Its ability to recognize different bill denominations, reject foreign coins and tokens, and reduce coin and bus pass jams will speed the boarding process. Bus drivers will appreciate the additional cooling options in the operator’s area and new steering wheel with two spokes for better dash control visibility.
Buses offer seating for 40, plus standing room, and each vehicle accommodates two wheelchairs. They are “low floor” models which offer level boarding for customers. A front-mounted bike rack holds two bicycles. The Omnitrans bus fleet totals 167.
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