CNG to Fuel NJ Shuttle Buses

CNG to Fuel NJ Shuttle Buses

Clean energy is one step closer for the citizens of New Jersey and natural gas vehicles across the country with the announcement of a fast-fill fueling station for compressed natural gas (CNG) coordinated to help roll out the Atlantic City Jitney Association (ACJA) new line of 13-passenger shuttle buses. But this private enterprise is not limited to the fleets, it will also be open to the public for 24/7 access. Made possible by a grant from the U. S. Department of Energy, the ACJA received $5.5 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, a Federal stimulus program, to cover the cost of building the CNG station and acquiring their new fleet of 190 natural gas vehicles.



The president of the ACJA, Tom Woodruff, explained that his shuttle fleet transportation company — which is been in business since 1915 — has been "committed to switching our entire fleet to 100% natural gas power" and that receiving this grant has made that it possible not only to realize their goal but create a facility that will be of benefit to everyone. He pointed out that like most transportation companies, he has been struggling with the cost of fuel and fleet maintenance and was ready for a solution. Besides the many economic advantages of converting his extensive fleet to natural gas — such as more stable fuel prices and last engine wear and tear — Woodruff says that when you add the fact that "clean burning CNG is better for the environment … the choice was obvious."



Natural gas fuel prices tend to remain much more stable than either gasoline or diesel and cost significantly less across the board, especially when fleet companies can buy in quantity for a dedicated refueling station like the one being built in New Jersey. Slated to be completed by the end of 2011, the contractor for the refueling station is Clean Energy Fuels Corp, who already provide compressed natural gas to over 1000 installations in 24 countries. Their Chief Marketing Officer, James Harger, stated that they were "delighted to have the opportunity to support the Atlantic City Jitney association as they implement this important, exemplary fleet transition effort."



Located in the Egg Harbor township in a Atlantic County, New Jersey, this around the clock refueling station is just another show of Federal support for the continuing effort to create a nationwide network of natural gas refueling stations run by fleet companies but available to the public. Currently, Clean Energy has 211 locations across the U.S. and Canada that can fuel over 19,000 vehicles. As a result of their extensive investments and subsidiaries, they project that they can expand their current capacity of 260,000 LNG gallons per day to up to 340,000 LNG gallons as the demand increases.



Considering that compressed natural gas vehicles produce 23% lower emissions — especially in medium and heavy-duty category — fleet owners who convert their vehicles to clean burning natural gas can officially add the "green" label to their services. This designation can attract a whole new level of clientele, especially corporate planners who have mandates to decrease their company’s carbon footprint as much as possible for all of their travel arrangements. The environmentally-friendly natural gas conversion campaign can also be used to create more opportunities for fleet companies to interact with the community and establish new clientele and develop those important networking relationships with related businesses.

Source: http://www.publicworks.com/article.mvc/Atlantic-City-Jitney-Association-Contracts-0001



About Clean Vehicle Solutions





A leader in the compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicle industry, Clean Vehicle Solutions is a full service, end-to-end alternative fuel solutions provider supporting fleet operations with extensive consultative, financial, production, maintenance and training services required to support the development and effective operation of an alternatively fueled fleet, including:



The largest U.S. CNG conversion production facility; Qualified and certified CNG converter for multiple vehicle type and OEMs; vehicle financing options



• Public and private fueling Infrastructure development, support, financing and oversight

• On and off-site vehicle servicing, vehicle financing, reduction in maintenance and operating costs and end-of-life vehicle disposal

• New job creations including training (both drivers and maintenance personnel) and emissions impact tracking, reporting and vehicle data certification

• Relationships with key suppliers deliver advantages in systems design for optimal fleet configurations and custom applications.



To learn more about Clean Vehicle Solutions, please visit their website www.cleanvehiclesolutions.com