Metro Magazine

APR 2013

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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GREEN REPORT 700,000 passengers from March 2006 through mid-2010. "In 2000, the California Air Resources Board mandated all transit agencies with 200 or more buses convert to CNG fuels or engage in a demonstration project to assess the viability of hydrogen fuel-cell technology. AC Transit opted for the latter," explains Clarence Johnson, media afairs manager for AC Transit. "Because the buses emit no pollutants — only water vapor from their tailpipes — and uses solar panels to power the fuel production process, the project actually enhances our environmental sustainability eforts." AC Transit is currently operating 12, third-generation fuelcell buses. Te new buses, manufactured by Van Hool, feature a redesigned chassis that is 5,000 pounds lighter than the earlier buses. Each new bus is powered by the 120 kW ClearEdge fuel-cell power system an advanced lithium-ion energy storage system by Indianapolis' Enerdel. "Te early results are promising, with 'H2 Buses' getting about twice the fuel mileage as diesel buses," says Johnson. Hydrogen tanks on the roof give the bus a range of 220 miles to 240 miles, and batteries recharged during braking can provide extra power for acceleration and climbing steep grades, according to the agency. AC Transit's "HyRoad" program is supported entirely by grants from the California Energy Commission, California Air Resources Board, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the FTA. Te funds are specifcally tagged for fuel-cell development and may not be used for any other purpose. . Te agency contracted with outside frms to build the stad tion and the fuel-cell buses, managing the contracting and ing building processes with three staf members. The program is being monitored, evaluated and red ported by NREL as part of the U.S. governments program. Johnson explains there is currently no timetable table for the project to end or be expanded. "Te demonstration project is for an indefnite period of time," he says. "Te Air Resources Board will del termine how long the project will last and what happens pens when it ends. However, the future of hydrogen fuel-cell el-cell Greater Cleveland RTA worked with Sierra Lobo, a NASA Glenn Research Center contractor, on the installation of the hydrogen fueling station (above), with ClearEdge Power, formerly UTC Power, donating the fuel-cell bus (below). PROPANE FUELING KANSAS CITY FLEET By the end of April, the Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kan. (UG), will have converted 13 paratransit buses, as well as two pickup trucks, to propane autogas; a move anticipated to save county taxpayers at least $100,000 in annual fuel costs. The savings represents a 74% reduction in cost for these converted vehicles. Ferrell Autogas is supplying the fuel station and dispenser and providing propane safety training for staff. The conversion costs nearly $9,000 per vehicle; however, the project is being funded through an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, awarded to the UG in 2010. Through its partnership with Ferrell, the UG is able to 22 < mETRO mAGAZINE APRIL 2013 lock in an annual savings less than one-half the cost of gasoline, said UG Fleet Manager Merle McCullough. Also referred to as autogas and liquefied petroleum gas, propane is made in the U.S. and is a cleaner fuel, which could improve the life of the engine. In addition to the annual savings in fuel costs by establishing a set price, propane fleet vehicles, on average, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 18% and create 20% less nitrogen oxide, up to 60% less carbon monoxide, and fewer particulate emissions than gasoline versions of the same models, according to the Propane Education & Research Council. metro-magazine.com

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