Ontario Northland test runs natural gas bus: new motor coach technology reduces GHG emissions, cuts maintenance costs.

• Position: GREEN REPORT

Ontario Northland Transportation Commission is adding a motor coach running on compressed natural gas (CNG) to its fleet.

It's a pilot project done in partnership with Motor Coach Industries (MCI), Union Gas, Envoy Energy, WSP and Change Energy, an environmental consulting firm conducting the feasibility study on the initiative.

The CNG coach will operate as an additional coach, providing overflow support to scheduled motor coach service. Customer feedback, maintenance staff, and driver reviews will help to inform the feasibility study of the possibility of adopting CNG technology.

Illinois bus manufacturer Motor Coach Industries is providing the coach.

"This green initiative is just one way in which Ontario North land is exploring innovative new equipment and technologies," said Ontario Northland president-CEO Corina Moore in a July 27 news release.

"We are committed to further reducing greenhouse gas emissions by participating with Union Gas and MCI in this pilot."

"There are currently over 14,000 transit and motor coaches operating...