The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) has added 20 propane autogas para-transit shuttle buses to its fleet and expects to recoup its investment in about a year, according to ROUSH CleanTech.

The shuttles, which are built on a Ford E-450 chassis, are projected to save the agency $21,000 per year in fuel costs and maintenance over a six-year period. Upfitter Green Alternative Systems installed a ROUSH propane autogas fueling system in the vehicle. ElDorado National-Kansas, a subsidiary of Allied Specialty Vehicles, designed the body of its Aerotech bus model on a fiberglass composite reinforced structure.

Each bus will emit 125,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide over its lifetime compared to conventionally fueled counterparts, according to ROUSH. The transit fleet also operates vehicles powered by electricity, natural gas, hybrid technology and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel.