Transperth is the Public Transport Operator responsible for the provision of a multi-modal transport system for the city and metropolitan areas of Perth, Western Australia. The operation covers an unduplicated route distance of 1,700 kms, with a staff of 2,100, 1,500 of whom are bus operators. Transperth embarked on a program to research alternative fuels and the arrival of the Dampier-Perth pipeline established natural gas as a possible alternative fuel. Two Mercedes buses were then converted to run on natural gas and a preliminary test program was commenced. The preliminary trial results were very encouraging and Transperth decided to extend the trial to convert 28 buses to natural gas and purchase 15 new buses giving Transperth a fleet of 43 natural gas buses by the end of October 1991. The following paper will detail how Transperth has faced the challenge of introducing new alternative fuels to its operators and its travelling public and a detailed look at the conversion process and potential savings. (A)
Samenvatting