Omaha Metro Transit Announces First Purchase of CNG Powered Buses

Omaha Metro Transit’s Board of Directors has approved the purchase of nine compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered buses for Metro’s paratransit service, MOBY. They will replace current vehicles that have reached their useful life, as calculated by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

The introduction of CNG-powered vehicles is part of a larger sustainability initiative by Metro to transition from fossil fuels to more environmentally-friendly options, such as CNG and clean diesel. Metro was also recently awarded a competitive federal grant for $2.4 million to help purchase CNG-powered buses. These vehicles will assist in maintaining air quality and reduce harmful toxins and greenhouse gases, furthering Metro’s commitment to environmental practices and sustainability.

Metro is sourcing these vehicles through a competitively-bid contract through the State of Nebraska, which was awarded to Master’s Transportation on March 23, 2017. The $801,000 purchase is financed with federal matching funds. The FTA’s contribution of $680,850 will be matched by a $100,000 grant from the Nebraska Environmental Trust and $20,150 allocation from Metro.

MOBY is a shared, curb-to-curb complementary paratransit service within Omaha’s city limits. It provides transportation for ADA-certified trips within three-fourths of a mile on each side of the Omaha fixed routes.