Natural gas buses arrive
Utah State University’s new natural gas buses have arrived and are expected to hit the road within the next couple of weeks.
Alden Erickson, USU transportation coordinator and Aggie Shuttle supervisor, said that in leasing five natural gas buses, he hopes to increase dependability of the Aggie Shuttle, save the university money and also protect the environment.
“These have a new engine and run on compressed natural gas,” he said. “They get better gas mileage, carry more passengers and are safer and more reliable. All around, this will be a real good thing.”
Erickson said three or four years ago, the shuttle system received an increase in their budget after student fees were slightly increased. With these extra funds, he said they could begin allocating money for the lease of new natural gas buses.
“This has taken a long time and with a small budget, I am pretty proud,” he said. “When we get them out on the road, I think they [students] will be very excited to have a bus that’s reliable that they can count on.”
He also said the university has one of the cheapest shuttle systems in the nation when considering how much is paid per student. Typically, students pay $30 to $35 a semester, but students at USU pay an $11 shuttle fee, Erickson said. Considering they work on such a low budget and are still able to provide a transportation system, maintain it and receive new buses, he said he is
pleased with the shuttle system.
“We make the dollar stretch,” Erickson said. “We were able to receive five new buses working with the same amount of money. I would say we were very fiscally responsible.”
The natural gas buses are 40 feet long and can accommodate more passengers.
Erickson said they can seat 37 people and will help to ease congestion during the Aggie Shuttle’s peak hours.
Beverly Miller, director of Utah Clean Cities, said natural gas costs 85 cents a gallon and is readily available in the West.
Miller said she has enjoyed working with USU while supporting Erickson in his efforts and is also excited about the possibilities offered in using compressed natural gas.
“If you start with cleaner fuel, you are just going to have less pollution,” Miller said. “When in Alden’s bus or my car, natural gas means we are using no petroleum, which reduces pollution.
“I admire Alden profoundly,” she said. “I am supportive of him because I want people to know about this. I want them to know what they have going for them.”
Lisa Leishman, director of USU Parking and Transportation, said she is very pleased with the leasing of the compressed natural gas buses and the positive effects they will have on the environment, student body and university.
USU is the only entity in the state of Utah to have a fleet dedicated 100 percent to alternative fuel vehicles, Leishman said.
“I am excited for the fact that we have a completely dedicated fleet. We expect the cost of maintenance to go down and are confident we will serve the students of Utah State University well,” Leishman said.
She said she is extremely proud of Erickson, his research and his ability to work within their budget.
Leishman said, “We have almost a million riders. This is going to reduce congestion. We are also going one step further by having our buses be natural gas vehicles which are helping the environment.”
-ariek@cc.usu.edu