San Diego MTS Introduces Propane-Fueled Transit Buses

MTS operates a fleet of 37 minibuses and 173 paratransit buses, primarily for its complementary ADA paratransit operations and some low-capacity fixed routes. To upgrade the existing fleet, MTS purchased 31 minibuses and 46 paratransit buses, which are scheduled for delivery over the next 10 months. The first five paratransit buses were delivered Sept. 15 and put into service. The buses are 2016 Starcraft Allstars on Ford F-450 chassis. The minibuses are 2016 El Dorado National-Aero Elite 320 models on Ford F-550 chassis.

“MTS has made great strides to reduce its carbon footprint in San Diego over the past decade,” said MTS CEO Paul Jablonski. “Propane-powered buses are the latest example. Over the lifecycle of all 77 propane buses purchased, the San Diego region will experience a reduction of more than 13 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions.”

Previously, all paratransit buses and minibuses were powered by unleaded gasoline. In addition to the environmental benefits, propane is significantly less expensive. By switching 77 buses to propane, MTS will realize a total cost savings of nearly $5.8 million over the five- to seven-year lifecycles of the vehicles.

San Diego’s climate action plan calls for annual emissions to be cut in half during the next two decades. California’s reduction goals include a 40% reduction from 1990 levels by 2030. MTS has been aggressively helping San Diego and California reach those goals. Among the efforts are transporting passengers on a zero-emission light-rail system; operating a nearly 100% clean-fuel, fixed-route bus fleet; phasing out all diesel buses from the fleet; and using 100% renewable natural gas for bus operations. Other initiatives include achieving LEED Silver status for new bus operations facilities in Chula Vista and El Cajon, installing solar power at 600 new bus shelters and facilities, and testing near-zero nitrogen oxide bus engine prototypes.