Last week, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) approved a plan to acquire 10 propane autogas paratransit buses through Myers Equipment Corp. of Canfield, Ohio.
The Plain Dealer (Cleveland) reports that RTA's agreement will allow the organization to expand the supply to 80 buses, if the deployment of the initial 10 is successful. That volume would represent a 100% shift to propane for RTA's paratransit fleet.
The vehicles are model-year 2013 coaches from ElDorado National. They are built off the Ford F-450 chassis and outfitted to accommodate eight passengers and four wheelchairs. Each bus will cost RTA $92,000.
The article also notes that RTA is planning to add propane autogas refueling infrastructure at its fleet facility at E. 46th St. and Euclid Ave. in Cleveland for approximately $100,000.
Earlier this month, RTA also announced its first pilot project with another alternative fuel – hydrogen – through a partnership with NASA's Glenn Research Center. The organization is operating a hydrogen-fueled 40-foot bus that features technology from UTC Power. Sierra Lobo installed a hydrogen fueling station at RTA's Hayden Garage in East Cleveland to accommodate the new bus.
