The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Goes Green with Propane
The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) purchased 20 propane autogas paratransit buses. These vehicles will provide clean and affordable transportation for individuals with disabilities.
This is Ohio’s first propane fleet of its kind. Each shuttle is expected to save approximately $21,000 per vehicle. These savings come from reduced fuel and maintenance costs over six years. The agency expects to recoup its investment in just over one year.
“We learned that other transit agencies had success using propane autogas,” said Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of the Greater Cleveland RTA. “When you can save money while saving the planet, it’s a no-brainer.”
“When you can save money while saving the planet, it’s a no-brainer.”
Joe Calabrese, CEO and General Manager of The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Green Alternative Systems installed ROUSH CleanTech liquid propane autogas fuel systems on each paratransit shuttle. Each bus, built on a Ford E-450 chassis, will emit 125,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifetime compared to a conventionally fueled bus.
As one of the nation’s largest transit systems, the RTA also constructed an on-site propane autogas fueling station. The project costs less than building a gasoline or diesel station. Historically, autogas costs 30 – 40% less than gasoline and about 50% less than diesel.
“The Greater Cleveland RTA has led clean and efficient public transportation efforts for decades,” said Todd Mouw, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for ROUSH CleanTech. “By choosing lower-cost, American-made propane autogas, the agency is delivering clean transit while saving taxpayer money.”
The RTA introduced its new propane-powered shuttle fleet during the American Public Transportation Association’s exposition in Houston on October 13, 2014. The RTA plans to transition its entire fleet of 100 paratransit buses to autogas as part of its regular replacement cycle.
The Ohio Propane Gas Association (OPGA) supports this transition. OPGA offers rebates to encourage the use of propane vehicles. The OPGA offers up to $5,000 per entity—$1,000 each for vehicles or mowers.
