BATA Adds New Environmentally Friendly and Cost Efficient Propane Powered Buses to its Fleet

The Bay Area Transportation Authority has added five propane fueled vehicles to its fleet. BATA’s new propane powered buses have multiple benefits that will help make its vehicle fleet more environmentally friendly and save on fuel and maintenance costs in the long run.

“We are excited to add these new propane powered buses to our fleet to reduce BATA’s carbon footprint and help us provide safe, cost effective, reliable and green transportation to the people of Grand Traverse and Leelanau Counties,” said BATA Executive Director Kelly Dunham.

Pros for propane powered buses include:

• Clean and Green Technology: Propane provides a 24% reduction in Greenhouse Gas, a 20% reduction in Nitrogen Oxide and a 60% reduction in Carbon Monoxide when compared to gasoline emissions.*
• Local Fuel Source: Propane is a domestic and abundant fuel source reducing foreign oil dependency.
• Fuel Savings: Propane pricing can be locked in to better manage costs and budget fuel expenses more accurately.
• Lower Maintenance and Operating Costs: Propane provides less wear and tear on engines and transmissions when compared to gas and diesel buses.

The only drawback to using propane fuel is that it offers lower fuel efficiency, 2-4 mpg less, compared to gasoline and diesel engines, but the maintenance savings and fuel cost savings will offset the loss in miles per gallon.

“Between rebates and lower maintenance costs we expect to see an overall cost savings of about 54%,” said Kurt Braun, BATA facilities and fleet maintenance manager. “Propane fuel buses are a tested and proven technology and a number of transit agencies in Michigan and around the country have added propane vehicles to their fleets and we plan to add more propane vehicles in the near future.”

All five buses are already on the road and will be used across all of BATA’s routes and services. Each bus will be designated with a special “Propane Powered” decal. They have been outfitted with LED lighting, back-up sensors, bike racks and BATA’s on-board technologies such as electronic fare boxes and mobile data terminals that improve the rider and driver experience. 

Funding for these buses was provided as part of BATA’s fiscal year 2016 funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation. They were produced by Roush CleanTech, an industry leader in alternative fuel technology, located in Livonia, Michigan.