Philadelphia airport’s shuttle buses switch from diesel to CNG
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) has switched from diesel to Clean Energy’s CNG as part of a sustainability initiative to reduce toxic emissions, decrease noise volume, and lower fuel costs. First Transit, provider of shuttle bus services at PHL, signed a 7-year contract with Clean Energy for an expected volume of 2.5 million GGEs (gasoline gallon equivalent) to power its 38 natural gas buses. The shuttle fleet accommodates three main routes at PHL—employee, cargo, and long-term economy parking—that traverse a total 3.5 million trips per year. “Airport transit vehicles operate in confined areas, primarily parking lots, so carbon emissions and noise pollution have a greater impact on the passenger experience,” said Raymond Blethen, Northeast director of operations, First Transit. “The airport was seeking to adopt alternative fuels and environmentally-friendly vehicles, so it converted 100% of its fleet to natural gas. The CNG shuttle buses run 90% quieter than diesel, lower CO2 emissions by 20%, and have no fumes,” added Blethen. “With CNG our fuel costs are more stable than diesel, the maintenance is a lot cleaner, and it improves the reliability of vehicles in the winter.”
