Flint’s Mass Transportation Authority has entered in to an agreement with Consumers Energy to build and operate a public/private fueling station that will dispense compressed natural gas to vehicles. This station will be owned and operated by Consumers Energy and provide compressed natural gas (CNG) to serve MTA’s fleet. The fueling station is an environmental mitigation project for Consumers Energy mandated by a 2014 consent decree with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Justice.
The MTA fleet will include 50 new CNG vehicles arriving over the next 20 months. In addition to fulfilling MTA’s requirements for fueling, the station will be open seven days a week, 24 hours a day for public use. The station will be built on-site at the MTA’s alternative fuel facility located at Dort and Maple roads in Grand Blanc.
The MTA currently operates 155 propane powered vehicles and partners with the Genesee Intermediate School District, providing fueling for their new propane vehicles. Plans call for the elimination of all diesel vehicles in MTA’s fleet. The MTA is approaching an 80% alternative fuel fleet.
For the Mass Transportation Authority, it’s the beginning of a great new relationship with Consumers Energy. “This is an exciting opportunity for the MTA to advance our alternative fuel program for current and future needs while providing a benefit to area businesses and the public,” said Ed Benning, MTA General Manager and CEO. “We’re looking forward to working with Consumers Energy.”