Cherokee County announced it will put the first propane-powered public transit buses in the state of Georgia in service next week following a ribbon cutting held at the Cherokee County Administrative Offices, according to the agency's news release.

Cherokee Area Transportation Service (CATS) purchased three propane-powered buses from Coach and Equipment Bus Sales, Inc. in February. The cost for all three totaled $307,553 with $261,420 paid for with a Federal Transportation Authority grant and $46,132 from Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). Two have been received, and the county is awaiting delivery of the third bus. 

The new vehicles will replace three aging buses currently in the fleet that provide service for the Fixed Route Service by CATS. CATS said it also provides a Demand Response Service where residents can schedule their rides for things like doctor’s appointments.

“We are excited to bring in three new vehicles that use a cleaner fuel source and have expected lower maintenance costs,” said Bryan Reynolds, community services agency Director. “With the purchase, we were able to secure increased federal transportation support and a Federal Transit Authority fuel subsidy, saving our taxpayers money.”

In partnership with the Cherokee Chamber of Commerce, the county unveiled two of the three new buses prior to the Board of Commissioners’ work session, inviting representatives from ROUSH CleanTech and the Propane Education and Research Council. 

ROUSH CleanTech’s Gen 5 propane system was integrated with the Ford 7.3-liter engine.

“ROUSH CleanTech’s advanced propane autogas technology is helping states like Georgia tackle their air quality problems and budget challenges by operating economical, emissions-reducing buses,” said Todd Mouw, EVP of sales for ROUSH CleanTech.