The Ontario Northland Transportation Commission is adding a compressed natural gas-powered motor coach to its fleet.
According to Ontario Northland, the pilot project is in partnership with Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Union Gas, Envoy Energy, WSP and Change Energy, the global environmental and sustainability consultant conducting the feasibility study on the initiative.
“This green initiative is just one way in which Ontario Northland is exploring innovative new equipment and technologies,” says Corina Moore, president and CEO. “We are committed to further reducing greenhouse-gas emissions by participating with Union Gas and MCI in this pilot.”
“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,” says Minister of Northern Development and Mines Bill Mauro. “Our government is committed to helping protect the environment and fighting climate change.”
As reported, the CNG motor coach will operate as an additional vehicle, 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 in the future.
“There are currently over 14,000 transit and motor coaches operating using CNG in North America,” says Guy Tessier, regional vice president of Motor Coach Industries, the manufacturer of the vehicle. “It is our pleasure to participate in the delivery of a CNG motor coach to Ontario Northland for its debut in Canada.”
