[IMAGE]T.jpg[/IMAGE]Sixty-three representatives from public transportation agencies, manufacturers, industry publications and related organizations expressed interest in participating in a Transit Natural Gas Coalition.

The T (Fort Worth Transportation Authority) hosted an inaugural meeting to form the coalition during the APTA annual meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. The coalition's purpose will be to provide a forum for an ongoing exchange to assist members in learning more about the operation, management and cost of using clean burning natural gas powered vehicles for transit fleets, according to Dick Ruddell, president of The T.

Those offering remarks at the meeting included APTA President Bill Millar; Joyce Eleanor, CEO of Community Transit and vice chair of APTA bus and paratransit operations; and John Catoe, GM of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.  

Ruddell said that The T will spearhead development of a Transit Natural Gas Coalition Website and organize the coalition's second meeting at the APTA 2010 Bus and Paratransit Conference. At that meeting, Ruddell hopes to adopt a formal structure for the coalition, including committees, to help expedite the exchange of natural gas information.

Additional agencies and transit industry businesses interested in joining the Transit Natural Gas Coalition may contact Dick Ruddell at druddell@the-t.com.