Cherokee Area Transportation Service to start service with two propane-powered buses

Oct. 19, 2022

The buses, which are the first of their kind in Georgia, will be used for fixed-route service and are part of a three-bus order.

Mass Transit Staff Report

CATS in Cherokee County, Ga., will put two propane-powered vehicles into fixed route service next week.

The first propane-powered transit buses in the state of Georgia will be on the road and in service next week in Cherokee County.

A total of three propane-powered buses will join Cherokee Area Transportation Service’s (CATS) fleet to replace three aging fixed-route buses. CATS purchased the vehicles from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales, Inc., in February for $307,553. The purchase was funded with a Federal Transportation Authority grant, as well as funds from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. CATS has received delivery of two of the buses and is waiting on the arrival of the third.

“We are excited to bring in three new vehicles that use a cleaner fuel source and have expected lower maintenance costs,” said Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds. “With the purchase, we were able to secure increased federal transportation support and a Federal Transit Authority fuel subsidy, saving our taxpayers money.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to mark the beginning of service for two of the buses with representatives from the county, Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, Roush Clean Tech and the Propane Education and Research Council were in attendance.

“ROUSH CleanTech’s advanced propane autogas technology is helping states like Georgia tackle their air quality problems and budget challenges by operating economical, emissions-reducing buses,” said Todd Mouw, executive vice president of sales for ROUSH CleanTech.

Steve Whaley, director of autogas business development for the Propane Education & Research Council, talked about the economic and environmental benefits of propane autogas.

"We're proud to add Cherokee County to the growing list of paratransit fleets across this country that are operating with propane autogas,” Whaley said. “Cherokee County is prioritizing providing a safe, clean ride for their community while lowering their operating costs. It’s a win for environmental sustainability and a win for their financial sustainability.”