Lincoln Transportation and Utilities officials announced Monday that StarTran has added 11 new compressed natural gas fueled buses to fixed-service bus routes in Lincoln.
Compressed natural gas is a sustainable renewable fuel source that is more environmentally friendly than diesel fuel. The addition increases the amount of vehicles in the StarTran fleet using renewable fuel to 75%.
“We are continuing to invest in and prioritize transit in Lincoln every day through sustainable fleet purchases like these new CNG buses,” says Liz Elliott, LTU Director. “The new buses offer smooth, quiet rides for our passengers and lower maintenance costs.”
She says the buses also help move the city toward its Climate Action Plan goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a net 80% by 2050 and contribute to converting the City’s vehicle fleet to 100% electric or alternative fuel vehicles by 2040.
StarTran has a total of 67 buses and 39 of them, along with two trolleys, run on CNG. Ten are electric buses and 16 buses run on diesel fuel. The new CNG buses are paid for using American Rescue Plan Act funds and cost more than $587,000 each.