The Fairbanks North Star Borough is converting its bus and van fleet to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), funded by grants and existing transit funds, offering upgraded vehicles and a better commute experience. The project faced delays due to the pandemic but is now complete, with the old buses to be auctioned off.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - The Fairbanks North Star Borough is moving forward with a long-awaited overhaul of its transit system, converting its fleet of buses and vans to run on Compressed Natural Gas . The transition is funded largely through competitive “low-no” emission grants, which the borough secured in part due to the area’s serious air quality non-attainment status.
Michelle Denton, representing the borough, noted that while the grants require a matching amount, the funds will be drawn from the existing transit enterprise balance rather than triggering a tax increase for residents. Although the assembly originally passed the ordinance to convert the fleet in February 2019, the project faced significant delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the construction of necessary infrastructure. With the new facility adjacent to the Tesoro building now complete, the borough has the capacity to fuel its entire fleet, including paratransit vans. Denton emphasized that the new vehicles will be a significant upgrade from the current fleet, which is well past its federal useful life of 12 years, offering passengers a much nicer and more comfortable commute. As the new CNG vehicles enter service, the borough plans to auction off the old buses to the highest bidder in accordance with federal standards.Looking ahead, staff will continue seeking grant opportunities to maintain a regular replacement cycle for the fleet, ensuring the transit system avoids falling behind on updates in the future.FIRST ALERT: Hurricane force winds and extreme snowSon of Toksook Bay Tribal judge still at large after alleged Tribal Officer kidnapping at gunpoint
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