Broward County Transit receives national environmental award

David Walters, left, of the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) presents Coree Cuff Lonergan of Broward County Transit with the Energy for Everyone Hero Award. (Photo courtesy of PERC)

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) honored Broward County Transit (BCT) with its Energy for Everyone Hero Award for operating an affordable and near-zero emissions propane autogas paratransit fleet.

Coree Cuff Lonergan, the CEO/general manager and director of transportation for BCT, accepted the award during a celebration event for the transit agency located in Broward County, Florida.

“Broward County is a leader in sustainable transportation,” Lonergan says. “Our commitment to zero emissions is driving innovation, and our propane paratransit fleet is a prime example. By transitioning to propane over nine years ago, we’ve reduced harmful carbon emissions and saved Broward County taxpayers millions of dollars. This is a win for our environment, our economy and our residents.”

Since 2015, BCT has invested in 297 propane autogas paratransit shuttles. Not only have the shuttles provided an average of 770,000 trips each year across the 471-square-mile county, the agency says, but the vehicles have reduced emissions and operating costs along the way.

“Paratransit services are essential for ensuring everyone has access to public transportation, but they can also be the most expensive per-rider option,” says Paul Strobis, director of paratransit for BCT. “That’s why we’re constantly exploring innovative solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Converting our fleet to propane autogas allows us to achieve both of these goals, while also minimizing our environmental impact.”

The transit agency says it has also saved taxpayers nearly $14 million because propane autogas provides fleets like BCT with the lowest total cost of ownership. BCT estimates cost savings of about 20 cents per mile compared to gasoline.

“Broward County Transit is setting the bar for other paratransit agencies,” says David Walters, director of autogas business development for PERC. “They’re providing benefits to the health of the community, the environment and the taxpayers – it’s a win-win-win. Not to mention, the propane vehicles have unmatched reliability and have played an instrumental role in Broward’s evacuation plans during severe weather. This fleet, and those who operate it, have gone above and beyond to be true heroes for their county.”

In addition to the award, BCT and PERC celebrated the opening of a new propane autogas refueling station with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The station will be the fifth in the county allowing the transit agency to service residents.