TransNet’s long-term sustainability plan to reduce its impact on the planet is evident in its paratransit fleet. In 2019, the community transportation service started operating shuttles on propane autogas, a clean and low-carbon fuel.
By running propane fleet vehicles, TransNet is eliminating more than 3.1 million pounds of carbon dioxide over the shuttles’ lifetime. Plus, the organization will emit fewer greenhouse gases, smog-producing hydrocarbons, and virtually eliminate particulate emissions versus comparable gasoline-fueled models.
“We take major strides to reduce TransNet’s carbon footprint and lessen harmful emissions, and our clean-operating propane paratransit shuttles are a big part of that effort,” said Susan Kopystecki, executive director of TransNet. “We all have an obligation to protect our planet, on Earth Day and every day.” TransNet has won a number of awards for its sustainability efforts, including the Air Quality Partnership Excellence Award from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (known as DVRPC).
To understand its alternative fuel choices, TransNet joined Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation as part of its sustainability plan. “We compiled a detailed fleet analysis for TransNet that established propane as the most cost-effective option to reduce their carbon footprint,” said Tony Bandiero, executive director of EP-ACT, which assisted in securing $300,000 in funding from Department of Environmental Protection’s Alternative Fuels Technical Assistance Program.
“PennDOT also played a key role in assisting TransNet through the process of adopting propane vehicles and will continue to be a factor with future conversions of new grant vehicles,” Kopystecki adds. “Its dedication to promoting alternative fuel and sustainability throughout the state is commendable.” To see the full article, click here.