It used to be common to see transit buses spewing black smoke as they traveled noisily through the city—well that sight is becoming a thing of the past. Purchases of alternative-fueled vehicles (AFVs), primarily buses, are increasing rapidly. By 2015, the Cleantech Market Intelligence firm forecasts that AFVs will represent more than 50% of the 64,000 transit buses that will be delivered worldwide that year. In 2010, AFVs made up 28% of total bus deliveries. The AFV market has exciting potential; specifically, compressed natural gas (CNG) powered buses. Over the last five years, approximately 20% of all bus purchases have been CNG. Similarly, CNG fuel consumption increased 42% from 2003 to 2008, as reported by the American Public Transportation Association.
Public transit agencies are starting to follow in the footsteps of Los Angeles Metro, who retired their last diesel-powered bus in January, and WMATA, which fuels 460 CNG buses each night. With advances in technology and people who promote clean transportation, AFVs will continue to overpower and outperform traditional diesel-powered buses.
Read more about the increase in CNG-powered vehicles here.
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