Affordable and adaptable propane emerges as an economical choice for fleet vessels seeking an alternative fuel source.
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Propane, a versatile and clean-burning fuel, is gaining traction in the transportation sector, offering numerous benefits for transit agencies and fleets alike.
Propane costs 40-50 percent less per gallon than conventional fuels like diesel or gasoline, making it an affordable choice for many. Thousands of propane suppliers across the country specialize in helping fleets choose the right fueling option based on fleet size, routes, budget, and facility space.
The ROUSH CleanTech Ford E-450 has completed the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) New Model Bus Testing Program (Altoona Testing), making it eligible for federal funds that cover 85 percent of the entire vehicle cost with a 15 percent local match. This incentive has encouraged the adoption of propane buses, as transit agencies can easily integrate them affordably, reducing costs and eliminating range anxiety due to fewer financial and geographical constraints with propane infrastructure.
Propane poses no risk to groundwater, surface water, or soil, making it suitable for installation in areas where other fuels cannot. Transit agencies like the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) in Michigan operate 100 percent propane paratransit fleets, with onsite fueling stations and large tanks, demonstrating its practicality and safety.
TransNet, a public transit agency in Pennsylvania, and its route partners Bux-Mont Transportation and Tri-County Transit, have installed onsite propane stations to provide easily accessible fueling opportunities throughout the day. The U.S. is one of the top producers of propane autogas, a third most popular transportation fuel globally, indicating a strong domestic support for this clean fuel.
The adoption of propane buses with onsite fueling stations has supported TransNet in reaching its sustainability goals and reducing its carbon footprint. ROUSH CleanTech, a company involved in the development and marketing of infrastructure for propane as a transport fuel in the USA, provides training to maintenance and fueling staff for the adoption of propane buses with an onsite fueling station.
Propane has a robust, reliable, and flexible infrastructure with decades of research and development behind it. There are three main options for propane fueling infrastructure: onsite, mobile, and public. The most common option for fleets is onsite fueling, offering flexibility and room for growth. Companies like Raygor offer training, maintenance, fuel management, and tracking services for propane vehicles.
Hundreds of transit agencies operate more than 7,000 propane vehicles today, and the number continues to grow. With incentive programs to help save on the upfront costs of propane vehicles, and the benefits of lower operating costs, fewer emissions, and a safer fuel, the future of propane in transportation looks promising. For more information on propane vehicles and incentive programs, visit the Propane Education & Research Council website.
Cummins Inc. is a major US player advancing alternative fuel technologies, including propane-related engines, suggesting their involvement in associated infrastructure services. However, the company involved in the development and marketing of infrastructure for propane as a transport fuel in the USA is not explicitly named in the search results.
In conclusion, propane offers a sustainable, cost-effective, and safe solution for transportation, supported by a robust infrastructure and a growing number of agencies adopting this clean fuel.
