These reliable and versatile vehicles have been purchased and operated by Pierce Transit since 1994. In the past, Pierce Transit strove to primarily operate compressed natural gas buses. Sound Transit bought 27 buses from Pierce Transit to use on routes originating in Pierce County, thus reducing Sound Transit’s procurement timeline and costs.
Compressed natural gas, or CNG, is natural gas under pressure which remains clear, odorless, and non-corrosive. It is made by compressing methane (CH4) extracted from natural gas.
Quick information about the ST Express Orion 40-foot CNG Bus
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Length |
40 feet |
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Height |
11.17 feet |
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Weight |
40,600 pounds |
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Width |
8.5 feet |
|
Passenger capacity |
Seating for 45 passengers |
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Fuel type |
Compressed natural gas |
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Fuel capacity |
150 US gallons |
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Power |
Cummins L10 260G |
|
Year of manufacture |
1994 and 1995 |
|
Number of vehicles in fleet |
Purchased in 1999: 22 - 1994 vehicles Purchased in 1999: 2 - 1995 vehicles |
|
Cost per vehicle, inclusive |
1994 vehicles: $204,313.15 1995 vehicles: $221,142.51 |
Additional information:
Manufacture and assembly of the bus
The body was built in Ontario, Canada and assembled in Oriskany, NY.
1999 (sold to Sound Transit by Pierce Transit)
No modifications.
The buses were tested by Pierce Transit.
The CNG fuel system is comprised of roof tank storage, a fuel fill system, engine compartment components, fuel lines, and a high pressure fill system.
Because CNG is a 'simple' yet high octane fuel it combusts efficiently and produces far fewer emissions than other fuels. CNG reduces nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent (compared to buses powered by diesel). Hydrocarbon emissions that cause smog are reduced 80 percent, and CNG buses produce no black soot or other harmful particulates.
Sound Transit has found that in most cases it costs less to use CNG buses. The engines also run quieter and the fuel reduces engine wear.
How this bus fits in Sound Transit’s fleet
Because Sound Transit contracts with its transit partners to operate its buses, it made sense for Pierce Transit to operate ST Express’s bus routes in Pierce County. Pierce Transit owned these CNG buses before selling them to Sound Transit.
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Luggage racks
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Bike racks
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Air conditioning
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Individually controlled lights
The buses are stored and maintained by Pierce Transit at its base, which has the infrastructure to maintain and operate CNG vehicles.
