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CMRTA Introduces Compressed Natural Gas Buses to the Midlands
What is Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)?
- CNG is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic gas found in conjunction with petroleum deposits. CNG runs through pipelines, two of which serve South Carolina. This type of gas is compressed to obtain greater volumetric storage capacity.
- According to the American Public Transit Association (APTA), CNG is the second most used power source, fueling approximately 7.5 percent of the transit bus fleet nationwide. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is employed in an additional 1.5 percent of transit buses.
How many CNG buses are used by the CMRTA?
- The CMRTA currently operates seven CNG buses. The remaining vehicles operated by the CMRTA use new technology-clean diesel.
Why did the CMRTA purchase CNG buses?
- The CMRTA purchased the CNG vehicles to test them against similar diesel-powered buses. The CMRTA is currently experimenting with the CNG buses to see if they are a better option as buses are replaced in the future.
What are the benefits of using a CNG vehicle?
- The use of CNG as an alternative fuel reduces vehicle emissions substantially. CNG vehicles generate fewer exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions than their gasoline- or diesel-powered counterparts.
- The relative cleanliness of the fuel also means that maintenance can be extended from 3,500 miles to over 6,000 miles. It generally costs less than gasoline at the pumps, and is available on a limited basis for refueling in South Carolina.
