News Release

Canada’s Natural Gas Vehicle Industry Applauds Calgary’s Leading Natural Gas for Transit Project

Ottawa, Ontario
Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance 

The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance is pleased to recognize the City of Calgary and Calgary Transit for officially opening the cutting-edge Stoney Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Storage and Transit Facility.

The construction of this new facility is a leading example of public-private (P3) partnerships. The new 44,300 square metre facility is believed to be the largest of its kind in North America, with the ability to simultaneously fuel six buses indoors from empty to full in less than four minutes. It will house approximately 450 buses, 36 maintenance bays, two steam bays, on-site compressed natural gas fueling infrastructure, and associated staff facilities. It will also support diesel bus operations, recognizing the transition period needed to introduce additional CNG buses into Calgary Transit’s fleet.

Calgary Transit has been operating four CNG buses for several years and has proven that they meet transit service requirements, even in Calgary’s cold winters. This month Calgary Transit is adding forty new CNG buses utilizing the new 2018 L9N Cummins Westport engine. Over the next three years, Calgary Transit plans to add an additional 150 natural gas-powered buses and replace a total of 450 diesel buses by 2025.

Use of CNG as fuel will result in three important benefits for Calgarians. First, these buses will generate savings of approximately $3.9 million annually by 2021 as result of the lower fuel cost of natural gas. Second, a CNG bus produces approximately 17 per cent less GHG emissions (C02e kg/km) on a well-to-wheel basis compared to diesel. Third, these buses will reduce air and noise pollution. Natural gas engines are much cleaner burning and the Cummins Westport L9N engine has 90 per cent fewer NOx emissions than the current North American EPA standard. When idling, CNG buses are also approximately 10 times quieter than diesel buses.

Alberta’s natural gas vehicle industry worked collaboratively with the City of Calgary in building this facility which will benefit the community.  The ATCO Gas Distribution Division will supply a high inlet pressure gas service, enabling the city to reduce compressor capital and operating costs.

Quotes

“Calgary Transit is a leader in transit innovation and visionary when it comes to fuel cost and emissions reductions that will benefit Calgarians for many years to come.”

Bruce Winchester
Executive Director
Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance


“ATCO was very pleased to support Calgary Transit on this project. This leading-edge fueling facility demonstrates how natural gas can play an important role in contributing to a low-emissions and more sustainable future. Alberta’s abundant and affordable natural gas can help medium and heavy-duty transportation fleets significantly reduce their fuel costs and emissions.”

Ryan Germaine
Vice President of Operations, Calgary & Edmonton Regions
ATCO

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Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance
ATCO

About CNGVA:

The Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance (CNGVA) represents Canada’s Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) industry. NGV technologies provide proven, commercially available transportation solutions for fleets that reduce emissions while using lower cost fuel. The CNGVA’s membership includes leading Canadian companies involved in manufacturing, fuel and infrastructure supply, vehicle technology, consulting, research, and international project management. Our mission is to promote the sustainable growth of natural gas vehicles, refueling infrastructure, and renewable gaseous fuels for the benefit of Canada’s economy and environment.

For more information contact:

Bruce Winchester
Executive Director,
Canadian Natural Gas Vehicle Alliance
(613) 564-0181
bruce.winchester@cngva.org