With Propane, Transit Agencies Save Where It Counts
As public entities, transit agencies have a big job: connect people, jobs and communities via safe modes of transportation. With finite, government-funded budgets, these organizations must be judicious in how they maximize fixed operational dollars while also doing mission-critical work. For over 15 years, we’ve seen a growing and important trend in the transit industry: adopting propane buses as a valuable way to save operational funds.
With the long game in mind, many transit agencies make upfront investments using capital funds to purchase low-cost, low-emission propane vehicles and install flexible infrastructure. This ultimately allows them to save on fixed operating funds down the road. So, every dollar saved via propane autogas means they can continue to provide more services using their limited government funding.
Many people don’t know that paratransit is a specialized form of public transportation. It’s designed to serve individuals who are unable to use traditional fixed-route systems due to disabilities or mobility limitations. Unlike standard public transportation methods that operate on fixed schedules and routes, paratransit services are typically door-to-door, on-demand and flexible, offering personalized transportation within a defined service area. Propane buses continue to be a vital part of many transit agencies’ paratransit departments due their affordability, flexibility and reliability.
In my home state of Michigan, more than 500 transit and paratransit buses are operating at over 20 agencies, including Allegan County Transportation (Allegan), BATA (Traverse City), Charlevoix County Transit (Boyne City), Clinton Transit (St. Johns), Flint Mass Transportation Authority (Flint), Hope Network Transportation (Grand Rapids), Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (Detroit) and The Rapid (Grand Rapids). Here are some of their stories:
- As one of Michigan’s largest public transportation fleets, The Rapid provides rides to more than 6 million community members annually. Seventy-five percent of its paratransit fleet runs on propane autogas, providing services to seniors and persons with disabilities who cannot ride fixed-route services.
- After adopting propane autogas in 2016, Charlevoix County Transit quickly transitioned the majority of its paratransit fleet to propane to help provide curb-to-curb services to its rural community.
- Flint MTA has operated propane buses for 15 years, saving at least $70,000 per vehicle in lifecycle fuel costs. As an early adopter, the agency once operated the nation’s largest propane fleet in the public transit industry.
We continue to advocate for common sense solutions and based on the above results, we are confident that propane fits the bill.
Have a great September and enjoy the start of Fall and football season.
Here’s what I’m reading this month:
