MANCHESTER TWP., York County- – rabbittransit launched its first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle early this month on the 83N rabbitEXPRESS service between York and Harrisburg in a public-private partnership with Republic Services, Inc.
The partnership with Republic Services allows rabbittransit the opportunity to fuel its new vehicle and begin the immediate benefits of CNG while the Authority waits for the completion of its own infrastructure. Located at 3730 Sandhurst Drive, Republic Services’ facility can fuel up to 65 vehicles including the 40-foot rabbittransit MCI coach, which carries up to 49 passengers.
“We are grateful for the partnership that Republic Services has extended to us in allowing us to utilize their existing fueling station. It really is a great example of how private capital can work for public good,” comments Richard Farr, rabbittransit Executive Director.
It takes approximately 20 minutes to “slow fill” the MCI bus through the CNG fueling system and is approximately 50% cheaper compared to diesel fuel. Other benefits include cleaner exhaust emissions compared to diesel including 20% less carbon, 30% less greenhouse gas emissions and 90% less NOx and Particulate Matter. Additionally, it is an alternative fuel that is sourced domestically within the United States.
“We are pleased to support our friends at rabbittransit with access to our CNG fueling station,” said Tim O’Donnell, general manager of Republic Services. “This partnership will enable the transit authority to do even more of a good thing for our community, while serving many of our customers and neighbors.”
With more than 74% of its fleet past its useful life, rabbittransit’s vehicle replacement plan includes the transition to a predominantly CNG fleet. It will move its central operations and maintenance to a facility that is fully CNG compliant in summer 2016. For more information on rabbittransit, visit www.rabbittransit.org.
