APRIL/MAY 2017 | MassTransitmag.com | Mass Transit | 35 of 24/7 access, likely through a card-lock system that allows fl eets to identify and maintain refueling records. • Reduced maintenance: Bi-fuel vehicles that consistently use propane will see diff erences in necessary maintenance compared to conventional vehicles. Because propane is a low-carbon fuel, it runs cleaner through engines and fuel systems, and can actually extend the life of the system. Engine technicians oft en note that propane vehicles need fewer oil changes because oil stays cleaner longer. Th ere is also a reduced risk for downtime because propane systems don’t require the additional fl uids and fi lters that oft en cause trouble for diesel paratransit fl eets, but are imperative for fl eets to meet emissions regulations. • Environmental benefi ts: With transportation emissions becoming a frequent talking point in many municipalities, running a paratransit fl eet on a clean fuel such as propane has added benefi ts. Propane autogas reduces carbon emissions by up 11 percent compared to gasoline and cuts smog-producing emissions by 40 percent. Propane vehicles can also operate during Ozone Action Days when use of other fuels may be limited. Fleet Conversion In many municipalities, the environmental benefi ts are becoming just as important as the cost savings. Mercy Transportation in Everett, Washington, converted 10 of its Ford E-150 wheelchair vans and fi ve Ford Transit 150 wheelchair vans to propane autogas in 2013. To date, Mercy Transportation reports saving $187,069 in fuel cost, eliminating more than 120 tons of CO2 emissions and displacing more than 90,000 gallons of gasoline. In states like Washington, where vehicle emissions are a top issue, propane autogas can prove to be a very eff ective solution for fl eets. Les Allen, the fl eet manager for Mercy Transportation said his cost savings and effi ciency strategies aren’t limited to simply using alternative fuels. “In addition to converting our vehicles to propane autogas, we’re also using computer dispatch scheduling with GPS tracking to manage our daily trip volume,” he said. “Taking control of our daily trip management and our fuel cost is making a big diff erence for our fl eet.” Other cost-saving strategies that can boost the benefi ts of switching to an alternative fuel include standardizing fl eet vehicles and using a fuel management system. For paratransit fl eets that have struggled continually to control costs, propane autogas has delivered proven results, even in this challenging fl eet environment. Darren Engle is director of governmental relations with Blue Star Gas. For more information, visit www.MassTransitmag.com/10064967
MassTransit_AprilMay_2017
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