Texas' Corpus Christi introduces CNG buses

Texas’ Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority (CCRTA) premiered its first compressed natural gas (CNG) powered bus recently, during a special dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony attended by a host of city, state and CCRTA officials on the campus of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“The CCRTA is moving in an exciting new direction,” Scott Neeley, CEO said. “We have planned for the future of public transportation in the Corpus Christi area, and today, we are witnessing a historic event that will benefit riders and the community well into the future.”

In discussion and planning for several years, the landmark decision to move the CCRTA’s fleet to an affordable, domestically-produced fuel source was solidified with the May 2011 CCRTA board approval to purchase 10 CNG buses for fixed-route service. First into the fleet are five 40-foot units and five 35-foot units.

Preparations for the new fleet, including modifications to existing maintenance facilities and construction of a new fueling station, have been under way for months. Once completed, the new CNG fueling station, the largest in South Texas, will support three 500-horsepower compressors capable of fueling 12 buses in six minutes.

Reciprocating relations between the CCRTA and the City of Corpus Christi, who also operates some CNG vehicles, exemplifies synergy between services and a better outcome for customers.