Compressed natural gas fueling station in Whistler moves to next phase
Mar 15, 2017
WHISTLER, BC – Transit has signed an agreement with Clean Energy to build and maintain the compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling station in Whistler. The $3.2 million new fueling station is expected to be operational by the end of 2017.
In addition to the new fueling station, Whistler will receive 25 new CNG-powered buses in early 2018. Each of the XN40 Xcelsior New Flyer buses can carry up to 81 passengers. The purchase of the 25 new vehicles represents an investment of $17 million in the Whistler Transit System.
The natural gas for Whistler will be supplied by FortisBC. To help offset the initial costs associated with the purchase of the new CNG buses, FortisBC will provide funding of up to $462,000. This funding represents 40 per cent of the cost differential of CNG buses over diesel counterparts.
“BC Transit’s commitment to converting its Whistler bus fleet to natural gas shows their continued dedication to environmental sustainability and innovation,” said Sarah Smith, FortisBC director, natural gas for transportation. “Natural gas as a fleet fuel is more cost-effective, decreases lifecycle carbon and other harmful emissions and reduces noise levels compared to diesel.”