Ontario Northland Transportation Commission is adding a motor coach running on compressed natural gas (CNG) to its fleet.
It’s a pilot project done in partnership with Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Union Gas, Envoy Energy, WSP and Change Energy, an environmental consulting firm conducting the feasibility study on the initiative.
The CNG coach will operate as an additional coach, providing overflow support to scheduled motor coach service.
Customer feedback, maintenance staff, and driver reviews will help to inform the feasibility study of the possibility of adopting CNG technology.
Illinois bus manufacturer Motor Coach Industries is providing the coach.
“This green initiative is just one way in which Ontario Northland is exploring innovative new equipment and technologies,” said Ontario Northland president-CEO Corina Moore in a July 27 news release. “We are committed to further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by participating with Union Gas and MCI in this pilot.”
“There are currently over 14,000 transit and motor coaches operating using CNG in North America,” said Guy Tessier, regional vice-president for Motor Coach Industries. “It is our pleasure to participate in the delivery of a CNG motor coach to Ontario Northland for its debut in Canada.”
The CNG coach provides up to a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions over diesel and there is reduced noise level.
Maintenance costs are 10 to 15 per cent lower and there is a 30 to 40 cent/litre cost reduction over diesel fuel.
“Supporting new green technology like compressed natural gas will help Ontario Northland reduce its reliance on diesel fuels and positively contribute to the province’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets,” said Bill Mauro, Minister of Northern Development and Mines
