<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4SINV6_1FG8qRNR00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4SINV6_1FG8qRNR00" width="1920" height="960" ></figure>MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A pilot program enacted by the Mountain Line Transit Authority to use propane autogas buses on routes has now been expanded.Mountain Line General Manager Maria Smith was joined by officials with Ferrellgas as well as ROUSH CleanTech, where she announced that the five-bus fleet of propane autogas buses will be doubled within the next year after positive results from the pilot program. State Senator Mike Oliverio, Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen, Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom, and Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble were among those who attended the announcement.“We’ve had that period of time of analysis, and we’ve come to the conclusion with the board today announcing that here going forward we’re going to commit to doing light-duty buses and propane fuel,” said Smith.According to Smith, Mountain Line plans to add an additional seven buses that will hold about a dozen passengers per ride. The buses will operate on routes normally seen within the fleet with little to no gas mileage difference seen based on what was seen out of the pilot program. Added with the expected fuel cost savings, the decision to make the switch over to propane autogas was an easy one to make.“We currently have five propane-powered vehicles in the fleet, and then next year we’re going to be ordering about another seven vehicles,” said Smith. “So as our current gas vehicles are coming to their useful life, we’ll retire those and replace them with propane.”Mountain Line officials noted that the costs of propane autogas will positively impact fuel costs due to the consistent cost in comparison to gasoline fuel. The decision to make the switch was due in part to the approximately $700,000 that was accounted for in fuel costs two years ago. Added with the technology that allows for minimal fuel loss while a bus is refueled, officials are optimistic that this will be a solid long-term answer for the bus line.“It’s similar to filling with gas and diesel, however, we have additional safety features built in when fueling a propane vehicle,” said Ferrellgas representative Brian Raygor. “One of those is a quick-connect fitting that allows you to pump fuel only when you’re connected to the vehicle.”The expansion of popane autogas buses to the Mountain Line fleet was supported by both members of the West Virginia Legislature in a bipartisan manner. For both Hansen and Oliverio, the switch offers an opportunity to promote a public service while also using a fuel considered more beneficial for the environment while also improving on costs by avoiding the fluctuating gasoline market. With Mountain Line becoming the first such transit service to use propane autogas within the Mountain State, the hope is that similar initiatives can be taken on in other parts of the state.“And West Virginia now has its first city with propane buses, and now we can try to take that statewide and save money, be more reliable, and be more durable,” said Oliverio.</div></body>

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A pilot program enacted by the Mountain Line Transit Authority to use propane autogas buses on routes has now been expanded. Mountain Line General Manager Maria Smith was joined by officials with Ferrellgas as well as ROUSH CleanTech, where she announced that the five-bus fleet of propane autogas buses will be doubled within the next year after positive results from the pilot program. State Senator Mike Oliverio, Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen, Monongalia County Commission President Tom Bloom, and Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble were among those who attended the announcement.

Mountain Line Transit Authority showcases new propane fueled bus, announces plans to expand fleet

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MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A pilot program enacted by the Mountain Line Transit Authority to use propane autogas buses on routes has now been expanded. Mountain L

Mountain Line Transit Authority showcases new propane fueled bus, announces plans to expand fleet

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