Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure that remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. It is made by compressing methane (CH4) extracted from natural gas.
In 1998, Sound Transit began working with Pierce Transit for the appropriate diesel/CNG fleet mix to operate on Sound Transit routes from Pierce County. The Sound Transit Board authorized staff to participate in Pierce Transit’s CNG fleet procurement.
Pierce Transit awarded a CNG bus contract to New Flyer of America, which included bus options. In an agreement between Sound Transit and Pierce Transit, Sound Transit "piggybacked" onto Pierce Transit's existing contract with New Flyer for an additional 20 CNG buses. The piggyback contract process reduces delivery time and administration costs, expedites the purchase process and is eligible for federal grant funding.
Quick information about the ST Express New Flyer 40-foot CNG Bus
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Length |
40.8 feet |
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Height |
11 feet |
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Weight |
39,630 pounds |
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Width |
8.5 feet |
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Passenger capacity |
Seating for 39 passengers |
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Fuel type |
Compressed natural gas |
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Fuel capacity |
Six or seven tanks at 3600 psi each |
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Power |
Cummins ISL C-Gas+ 250/280 HP |
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Year of manufacture |
2001 |
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Number of vehicles in fleet |
20 |
|
Cost per vehicle, inclusive |
$351,226.44 |
Additional information:
Manufacture and assembly of this bus
These buses were manufactured in Winnipeg, MB, and assembled in Crookston, MN.
2001
No modifications
Because of Pierce Transit’s experience with other CNG buses, no testing was performed.
The CNG fuel system includes roof tank storage, a fuel fill system, engine compartment components, fuel lines and a high pressure fill system.
Because CNG is a 'simple' yet high octane fuel, it combusts efficiently and produces far fewer emissions than other fuels. CNG cuts nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent (compared to buses powered by diesel). Hydrocarbon emissions that cause smog are reduced 80 percent, and CNG buses produce no black soot or other harmful particulates.
Sound Transit has found that in most cases it costs less to use CNG buses. In addition, the engines run quieter and the fuel reduces engine wear.
How this bus fits in Sound Transit’s fleet
Sound Transit’s participation in Pierce Transit’s contract with New Flyer was part of the agency’s strategy for meeting its service demands.
The ST Express bus system is consistent with the Sound Transit Board-approved System Implementation Plan. The planned service increase in 2001 required adding more buses in the Pierce County subarea.
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Air conditioning
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High-back seats
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Bicycle racks
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Parcel racks
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Reading lamps
The buses are stored and maintained by Pierce Transit at its base, which has the infrastructure to maintain and operate CNG vehicles.
