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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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Compressed Natural Gas Buses

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).

 View full project details
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A culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary.
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What is Transforming Government?

Government exists to serve citizens. Every day, citizens are touched by The City of Calgary and the services it offers. Transforming Government is a culture of constant improvement at The City of Calgary — improvement that makes life better for all citizens.

In 2011, Mayor Naheed Nenshi and City Council unanimously agreed to embrace and reinforce this approach to constant improvement — Transforming Government is a way to do just that. So, when you see the Transforming Government stamp on something, you know it is part of something that makes Calgary even better.

A public work, an initiative, project, program or plan marked with Transforming Government reflects one or more of the following principles:

Transparency provides a clear view of exactly what’s going on “behind the scenes”, so citizens can understand why a project or service exists.

Accountability is the clear demonstration of how and why The City has done something, and that The City and Council accept responsibility for the decision, program or plan.

Civic Engagement is a commitment to bring together citizens, organizations, and City employees in the planning and development of our great city.

Innovation describes new ideas, services, or approaches that make living and working in Calgary even better.

Citizen Orientation ensures that a program, project or service is designed with customers or citizens in mind.

Sustainability describes long-term thinking that makes for a healthy community, environment, and economy, now and in the future.

Public Spaces

Customer Service

Transportation

Environmental