The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) unveiled its new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses at a ceremony at the Great Lakes Science Center. RTA is adding 90 new CNG buses to its big bus fleet this summer, with 25 more in 2016. They will replace clean diesel buses that have reached the extent of their useful life.

“Natural gas costs one-third that of diesel, resulting in savings of more than $200,000 over the life of each bus,” said RTA CEO/GM Joe Calabrese.

Each CNG bus reduces annual emissions by 100 tons of CO2 equivalent per bus, so RTA’s fleet of CNG buses will emit 30% fewer greenhouse gases by 2017, Calabrese said. Diesel costs $2.88 per gallon. CNG diesel-gas-equivalent costs $1.00 per gallon.

"When we pair long-term cost savings and long-term energy savings with an improvement in RTA’s overall carbon footprint, everyone wins,” Calabrese said. RTA is proud to join with partners such as Parker Hannifin, which is supplying the refueling dispensers, in strategic sustainability initiatives, Calabrese said.

“Together we can create a healthier and more livable environment for our employees and customers,” Calabrese added. “We’re taking steps to reduce pollution and improve our environmental footprint in the region.”