Phoenix to purchase 120 natural gas buses

PHOENIX — The Phoenix City Council has given permission to purchase 120 new Valley Metro Buses that run on compressed natural gas.

“Because of that transition to this new type of fuel, we’ll be able to save a net four million dollars,” said Matthew Heil, spokesman for the city’s Public Transit Department.

According to the city, “it’s a big change for Phoenix, which now has the country’s largest liquefied natural gas fleet.”

Compressed natural gas buses are cheaper because of the vehicle’s manufacturing process and the dense fuel can be delivered via pipeline to bus fueling sites. Liquefied natural gas must be super-cooled and delivered via truck.

The new buses carry a total price tag of #61 million and should arrive between fall and next spring.