Nanaimo's First CNG Bus Arrives

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BC Transit’s first Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses are arriving in the Regional District of Nanaimo. A total of 25 CNG buses will be introduced into service over the spring months as they clear inspection and commissioning.

“I congratulate the Regional District of Nanaimo for demonstrating leadership and seizing this opportunity to use CNG, an available, affordable fuel, in its fleet,” said Michelle Stilwell, Parksville-Qualicum MLA and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for Healthy Living.

Compared to diesel, the primary benefit of CNG buses is lower and more stable fuel prices. Additional benefits include quieter engines and simplified emission systems.

“This is the single biggest change in our regional transit system in the past two decades, and a positive step toward meeting our goal of regional resilience,” said RDN Chair Joe Stanhope. “We are proud to be the first BC Transit community to operate a CNG fleet.”

To help offset the initial costs associated with the purchase of the new CNG buses, FortisBC will provide funding of up to $937,500. The funding represents 75 per cent of the cost differential of CNG over its diesel comparators.

“With these compressed natural gas buses on the road, BC Transit is putting ideas into action, bringing benefits to the environment and our gas customers while reducing operating costs for public transportation,” said Doug Stout, Vice President of Energy Solutions and External Relations at FortisBC. “Natural gas is a cleaner-burning, lower-priced fuel that is abundant in B.C., and we are dedicated to working with government and organizations like BC Transit to take advantage of new opportunities for this fuel source.”

“This is an exciting day for BC Transit and for our partners at the Regional District of Nanaimo,” said BC Transit President and CEO Manuel Achadinha. “The CNG project helps the RDN and BC Transit deliver on its shared commitment to sustainable and affordable public transportation solutions.”

The Regional District of Nanaimo is the first BC Transit community to embrace CNG transit technology. Earlier this year, the City of Kamloops announced it will be home to the second CNG fleet. Kamloops CNG buses will be delivered by the spring of 2015.