Calgary Transit currently operates close to 1,100 diesel-fuelled buses and the cost of diesel fuel has been steadily increasing – more than doubling in the past 10 years. Compressed natural gas (CNG) buses are potentially less expensive to operate as natural gas prices are about 30 per cent lower than diesel costs and are expected to be more environmentally sustainable. As a result, Calgary Transit has initiated a detailed investigation into the feasibility of employing CNG buses as part of the Calgary Transit fleet.The investigation is looking at the technical, operational, environmental and financial implications of using a select number of CNG buses, likely about 150-200 buses. The investigation includes meetings with gas producers, suppliers, vehicle manufactures, facility designers, the Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance, and current operators of CNG buses. As part of the investigation, beginning in March 2013, Calgary Transit put a total of four CNG buses into service on routes 72/73. An important aspect of the field service review will be the performance of the buses during winter months.
The pilot project contributes to Transforming Government by better informing the long term triple-bottom-line (social, environmental, economic) decisions we make about our transit fleet. The results of the investigation will be used as input to the ongoing fleet plan for Calgary Transit.
The potential addition of compressed natural gas buses to Calgary Transit’s fleet will benefit our community by reducing noise pollution, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions (compared to older diesel buses).
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