SMART introduced into its fleet this month, 61 new Connector paratransit propane autogas fuel system buses. The new propane Connector buses will be fueled with affordable, clean, domestically produced propane gas; making SMART the second largest propane autogas powered paratransit fleet in Michigan and one of the top five largest in the United States.
“SMART is committed to responsibly and eco-consciously serving the communities in southeast Michigan. By using domestically produced propane we help support local jobs and our economy,” said John C. Hertel, general manager, “In addition, using the autogas technology will improve our operations, lower costs and preserve the environment in which we work, live and play.”
By investing in the new autogas vehicles, SMART will reduce emissions, save money, and extend the life of the vehicle. The total fuel and maintenance savings is projected to be $1.1 - $1.7 million over the lifetime of the fleet with a return on investment of less than four months. Further, SMART anticipates the autogas vehicles will last longer. This technology has been shown to extend vehicle life due to less wear and tear on the engines by other autogas fleets.
SMART began its search for alternative fuels to meet the goals of the authority: lower fuel costs and resolve the stringent and complicated emission control issues experienced with the diesel-fueled paratransit buses. After researching various alternative fuels, propane became the clear winner. It is affordable and is readily available. Propane is a byproduct of natural gas processing and is becoming increasingly available in the United States due to the abundant supply of natural gas. In addition, the cost of building on-site refueling stations at each of its three terminals was determined to be less expensive than other refueling station options. The vehicles and propane stations are grant funded.
“Residents in Southeast Michigan are breathing easier due to SMART’s decision to fuel paratransit buses with propane autogas,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech. “Plus, this abundant alternative transportation fuel means reduced operating and ownership costs for the transit agency.”
The Connector, small bus vehicles serve seniors and people with disabilities helping to get them to work, school and medical appointments throughout the region. It is an advance reservation, curb-to-curb service where riders may travel anywhere within a 10 mile radius of a designated service area. One of the biggest differences customers will notice is a much quieter ride.
Several local businesses participated in the effort to bring the new autogas buses to SMART. Mobility Transportation is the commercial dealer for Champion the bus manufacturer. Roush equipped the vehicles with the CleanTech propane autogas fuel system.
Delivery of all 61 SMART Connector autogas vehicles has been on-going since February and to date 14 vehicles have been placed into service. After receipt of a bus, SMART performs an FTA inspection and then transfer’s equipment from the retiring bus to the new bus. This includes the removal and installation of the cameras, farebox, radio and automatic vehicle locator (AVL) system equipment. The full fleet is expected to be in service by the end of July.
