On of the CTA's newly converted propane-powered beauties. (image: coasttransit.com)
Our favorite propane advocates at Alliance AutoGas have partnered with the Coast Transit Authority (CTA) in Gulfport, Mississippi to convert four vans in its fleet to propane autogas, the Sun Herald reported. A federally funded public utility, the CTA works to provide safe, comfortable and affordable public transportation to residents in the Mississippi Gulf Coast area.
“Going green is a big priority for Coast Transit Authority, and we feel government agencies should take the lead in introducing alternative fuels like autogas to the community,” said CTA executive director Kevin Coggin, citing the considerable advantages of using autogas that we’ve heard so often. Strategists believe companies looking to cut transportation costs will find autogas increasingly difficult to overlook. New industry reports suggest that switching to propane will allow a vehicle’s engine to run three times longer than it would with gasoline, with fewer oil changes.
Propane has maintained a strong presence in Mississippi since the 1980s when it was first introduced by a company called Blossman Gas, which sold the fuel for use in police squad cars and school buses. There’s even an autogas fueling station right in Gulfport, making the decision a no-brainer for CTA.
“Autogas was a smart choice for our fleet because there was no up-front cost for the fueling infrastructure, and we benefit greatly from the reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel prices,” Coggin added.
It’s been a big week for Alliance AutoGas, as they also recently struck a deal with Nantucket Energy to help convert the island’s community fleets. Alliance AutoGas provides transportation managers with autogas conversion assistance, training, safety information, and on-site fueling. Alliance president Stuart Weidie said the company is looking forward to adding new partners to the program and helping people switch to cleaner, cheaper motor fuel.