Albany, NY (September 17, 2002) - - - The Albany County Airport Authority today began operating new CNG (compressed natural gas) powered buses to shuttle passengers to and from its popular economy parking lot, E-Lot. Huge daisies cover the buses making them easily distinguishable as environmentally friendly "green" vehicles. The Airport Authority has also ordered three CNG powered pickup trucks that will replace older models in the Airport's fleet.

"The Airport is committed to a new generation of vehicles that will offer a clean and cost saving alternative to gasoline or diesel fuels," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "The selection of CNG powered vehicles enables the Airport to reduce maintenance costs while helping to reduce harmful emissions into the environment."

The buses, manufactured by the Ford Motor Company, are powered by 5.8 liter V8 engines that burn natural gas rather than gasoline or diesel fuel. Each bus has a capacity of 17 passengers. The buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts to serve disabled travelers. Airport shuttle buses operate along a three-mile route between the Terminal and E-Lot and average about 25,000 miles per year.

The U.S. Department of Energy awarded the Airport a grant of $54,000 to cover the incremental cost of the new CNG fueled vehicles. The grant is the result of Airport participation in the Capital District Clean Communities Coalition based at the Capital District Transportation Committee with program support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The Airport Authority has installed a fast-fill natural gas fueling station directly along the bus line to fuel the new vehicles. The CNG fueling station is fed through a direct connection to a Niagara Mohawk gas main. At today's pump prices, natural gas is selling at 25-30 cents per-gallon less than the equivalent amount of gasoline or diesel fuel.

The CNG powered vehicles offer a number of advantages including lower fuel costs, cleaner air, lower maintenance costs, longer engine life and decreased dependence on foreign oil. CNG is the cleanest burning alternative fuel emitting 74% less carbon monoxide, 70% less hydrocarbons and 85% less nitrous oxides. New York State has large natural gas reserves, primarily in the western area and Southern Tier of the State.

The Airport Authority plans to continue to replace remaining shuttle buses and many maintenance vehicles with CNG powered vehicles. Future funding support for the fleet conversion is anticipated through ongoing Airport participation in the Capital District Clean Communities Coalition and initiatives sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and U.S. Department of Energy.

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