New CNG buses ready to hit the streets of Kamloops

KAMLOOPS – A total of 25 compressed natural gas buses will be introduced into service in Kamloops by the end of May.

Kamloops is just the second B.C. community to get a fleet of CNG-fueled buses, Nanaimo began using the new fleet in 2014. The natural gas buses have significantly quieter engines and simplified emission systems than diesel systems.

“It’s exciting to see Kamloops take advantage of B.C.’s abundant natural gas resources to use this available, affordable fuel in its fleet,” Transportation Minister and Kamloops South Thompson MLA Todd Stone said in a release Friday, April 17. “By increasing the use of natural gas fleets around the province, we are making a transportation choice that will benefit us all for years to come.”

The buses cost about $14.8 million, with Fortis B.C. kicking in funding of up to $577,500. A $2.5-million CNG fuelling station is near completion at the Kamloops Transit Centre.

"The City’s strategy is to encourage alternative, sustainable methods of transportation and supportive infrastructure. These new buses will support this strategy by reducing the emission of harmful pollutants into our air shed," Mayor Peter Milobar said.

The province recently announced there would be a freeze on B.C. Transit spending and additional service hours planned to be implemented in Kamloops this fall have been cancelled.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Jennifer Stahn at jstahn@infonews.ca or call 250-819-3723. To contact an editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.