NFTA Introduces Natural Gas Operating Vehicles to its Fleet

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority announced Jan. 11, that Metro is introducing compressed natural gas operating vehicles to its 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 clean burning, compressed natural gas. The new buses and vans will replace the oldest diesel vehicles currently in use.

Kimberley A. Minkel, NFTA executive director said, "I want to thank our federal and state delegations for their collective efforts in securing essential funds for these vehicles. 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 manufactured in Plattsburg, NY, by Nova Bus, feature modern interior design and lighting, an enhanced courtesy zone for boarding, increased window areas to maximize natural light, full stainless steel structure to provide industry leading safety and increased spacing to offer superior mobility device access.

"As a New York manufacturer of natural gas buses, we are very proud to support NFTA-Metro in achieving their Going Green initiative. NFTA's Nova Bus vehicles are a combination of modern design and high functionality providing the citizens of Buffalo Niagara the best in public transportation experience," said Rob Mowat, Vice President of Sales for Nova Bus.

Nineteen additional full size buses will be phased into service by Feb. 1. The remainder of the 44 buses (24) are expected to be carrying customers throughout the region later this summer.

This investment also realizes additional benefits for all of New York State and the North Country in particular, since these buses were all manufactured at the Nova Bus facility in Plattsburg, NY. 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, NY, by Shepard Brothers, will be used to provide an average of 700 rides per day for the 5,945 approved registered customers with special needs who depend on Metro paratransit services for their transportation needs. Nine additional CNG fueled vans will be incorporated into operation by February 1.

"I'm proud that the bus Shepard Bros. distributes is built right here in western New York," said Shepard Bros. VP, TJ Shepard. "It's important to both of our companies that we provide a robust vehicle with industry leading quality and safety.  We take a great deal of pride in providing the NFTA with a vehicle built in New York State and built to deliver a first class ride."

The two MV-1 supervisor vehicles represent a new addition to Metro's fleet. They will provide Metro field supervisors with the unique ability to transport a customer with a mobility challenge, or someone using a wheelchair. This is a new service that Metro will now be able to provide to its customers to further enhance its service capabilities.

Thomas George, NFTA director of public transit commented, "Compressed natural gas is the fuel of the future for our fleet of vehicles. It's affordable, plentiful, safe and made in the USA. CNG is an eco-friendly fuel that helps improve our air quality and will increase the overall efficiency of our fleet."

"This is an exciting time for Metro as we embark down the road of providing high-end, environmentally efficient CNG buses for our customers in the Buffalo Niagara region," added Minkel.

Compressed natural gas is an effective alternative fuel for public transportation. Safe, clean and affordable, CNG also provides some freedom from the diesel fuel market. Natural gas at Metro's fueling facility will be 99 percent American sourced. Through the course of their lives, these Metro's CNG buses will save the atmosphere from more than 1,300 tons of carbon.

Metro serves 95,000 customers each weekday, using 316 buses over 62 routes in Erie and Niagara counties, in addition to operating a 6.4 mile Light Rail system through the heart of Buffalo's Central Business District. Additional Metro Bus and Rail information can be found at online metro.nfta.com.

New CNG Fueling Station

A $5.9 million state-of-the-art CNG fueling facility at Metro's Frontier Bus facility, 1000 Military Road, Buffalo, is in the commissioning phase and buses are presently being fueled as part of the process. The facility is expected to be fully operational January 25. The fueling station encompasses one and a half acres and features two 250-hp compressors, producing 700 standard cubic feet per minute that will serve four fuel dispensers. A twin tower dryer, control building, electric motor and control distribution wiring and control system are also part of the project. The functionality of the station will more than cover Metro's needs for the immediate future, but the facility can be expanded to meet new demands going forward.

Compressed Natural Gas

CNG is a perfect fuel for Metro buses. It is safe, clean, affordable and American. Natural gas burns the best of all the fossil fuels, leaving mostly carbon dioxide and water behind, just like us. It produces less unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and particulate matter than gasoline.

Although the price of natural gas does fluctuate, it is consistently below low sulfur diesel. As such, it provides the authority with much needed budget stability for a major commodity.

Natural gas has a number of safety advantages over diesel fuel. It is non-toxic, non-corrosive and will never contaminate ground or water. CNG is stored under high pressure but the range of flammability is much narrower than gasoline. CNG will not burn at concentrations below 5 percent or above about 15 percent when mixed with air. The flashpoint for gasoline is 250 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the flashpoint for natural gas is 1100 degrees, making the risk of fire much lower. Natural gas is lighter than air and dissipates if leaked. The source of CNG is also important: 99 percent of the natural gas used by Metro will come from North America.