Roush CleanTech announced the completion of the Federal Transit Administration’s “Altoona testing” New Model Bus Testing Program on a Roush CleanTech Ford E-450 vehicle fueled by propane autogas. Altoona testing of the propane autogas Ford E-450 will allow all agencies to apply for FTA funding to assist with conversion costs of that vehicle, providing financial assistance for any paratransit fleet looking to operate on a domestically produced alternative fuel like propane autogas.
FTA provides funding for the purchase, operation and maintenance of public transportation systems. FTA’s Altoona testing, named for the primary test facility location, rates new transit bus models on safety, structural integrity and durability, reliability, performance, maintainability, noise and fuel economy.
The completion of this testing means all paratransit body configurations that are compatible with the Roush CleanTech propane autogas-powered Ford E-450 chassis are eligible for FTA funding, including Champion, ElDorado National, Elkhart Coach, Glaval Bus, Goshen Coach and Starcraft Bus.
Chelsea Jenkins, fleet account manager for Roush CleanTech, spoke on Monday, June 18, during the Clean Technology Forum at Government Fleet Expo about the Altoona testing and how this domestically produced alternative fuel can positively affect both an agency’s bottom line as well as their green efforts. Historically, propane autogas has cost 30 to 40 percent less than gasoline. This savings is projected to continue over the next 25 years.
“Roush CleanTech’s Altoona testing of the Ford E-450 means government and paratransit fleets now have a more affordable and cleaner option to gasoline and diesel, and complements our EPA- and CARB-approved lineup of Ford pick-up trucks and vans,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing for Roush CleanTech.
