METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Wis. paratransit operator goes propane

Though only currently operating part-time as he transitions to this new venture, Tarmann Transport is already saving hundreds of dollars a month by running his service vehicle on autogas.

September 24, 2012
2 min to read


Marinette, Wis.-based Tarmann Transport teamed with Alliance AutoGas partners Charter Fuels and The Motor Co. to convert his Ford E-350 van to clean, cost-effective propane autogas.

“Running on propane autogas has helped me cut costs as I launch my new business, but it also feels good to know I’m improving the air quality in the local community with an American-made fuel,” said Tom Tarmann, who contracts with Oconto County, Wis., and LogistiCare to serve elderly and disabled patients in the community.

Ad Loading...

Though only currently operating part-time as he transitions to this new venture, Tarmann is already saving hundreds of dollars a month by running his service vehicle on autogas. The autogas vehicle conversion was almost entirely funded by a $5,000 grant from the state of Wisconsin, so he was able to start saving on fuel costs right away.

Tarmann also plans to convert a 2009 Ford Taurus to autogas through Alliance AutoGas, with clean fueling from Charter Fuels and vehicle conversion through The Motor Co., a certified Alliance conversion center.

“As part of the Alliance AutoGas network, we were able to work with Tarmann to coordinate everything he needed to switch to autogas, including the vehicle conversion, convenient fueling and operational and safety training,” says Bill Langlois of Charter Fuels. “Autogas fleets are saving around $1.50 per gallon on fuel costs right now, and in this economy, that really adds up for a small business fleet that’s getting off the ground.”

Alliance AutoGas is an international partner network that provides North American fleets with autogas vehicle conversions, installation of a fuel station at a fleet’s base, data integration for fuel management systems, operational and safety training, and ongoing technical support.

 

More Paratransit

BusJanuary 22, 2026

Biz Briefs: BART, Uber Launch Partnership and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
SponsoredJanuary 19, 2026

3 New Ways Fleet Software Pays: ROI opportunities for modern fleet managers

Transit agencies depend on safe, reliable vehicles to deliver consistent service. This eBook examines how next-generation fleet software helps agencies move from reactive processes to proactive operations through automated maintenance, real-time safety insights, and integrated data. Learn how fleets are improving uptime, safety outcomes, and operational efficiency.

Read More →
RailJanuary 15, 2026

Biz Briefs: Alstom Supplying TTC Subways, SilverRide Lands California Contracts, and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby Alex RomanJanuary 5, 2026

Forest River Working to Redefine Reliability, Responsibility in the Bus Industry

As the transportation landscape continues to evolve in the wake of the pandemic, few manufacturers have faced, or embraced, change as decisively as Forest River Bus.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

New York MTA Marks Record Year for Ridership, Performance in 2025

The subway, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad all recorded record-highs for on-time performance in 2025.

Read More →
A white and blue graphic with text reading "Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026."
Paratransitby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

Milwaukee County Transit Plus Riders Join WisGo in 2026

Transit Plus riders gain access to WisGo cards and mobile fare payment through the Umo app in 2026.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Technologyby StaffJanuary 5, 2026

Vancouver's TransLink Taps Spare to Improve Paratransit Service

Starting next week, HandyDART will also extend its hours to 2 a.m., improving service availability for customers and aligning more closely with SkyTrain operating hours.

Read More →
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 19, 2025

Biz Briefs: Spare, Nova Bus, and More!

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →
New Mobilityby StaffDecember 15, 2025

Florida's JTA Greenlights Major Fare Cuts for Bus, Paratransit Services

The JTA board also approved making Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation service complimentary, effective December 15.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
New Mobilityby Staff and News ReportsDecember 12, 2025

Biz Briefs: Fare Collection, Motorcoach Orders, and More

Biz Briefs covers the latest supplier news in the motorcoach and public transit industries.

Read More →