LAX Receives 12 Higher-Capacity CNG Buses

15 September 2006

New CNG buses for LAX.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has received 12 higher-capacity airfield buses that operate on compressed natural gas (CNG) from North American Bus Industries (NABI). Each of the 60-foot articulated buses has a capacity of more than 100 passengers (seating for 22 plus standing capacity of 80).

The new higher-capacity low-floor airfield buses are needed to accommodate the arrival of new large aircraft, such as the Airbus 380, that will soon begin service at LAX. Seven international air carriers have announced plans to operate the A-380, starting in 2007 through 2010. The A-380 can carry between 555 and 800 passengers, depending upon seating configuration.

The new articulating buses will transport passengers between the terminals and the remote boarding gates more efficiently than using the airport’s existing fleet of 20 airfield buses that accommodate 60 to 80 passengers each. These new buses replace five 22-year-old diesel buses that are at the end of their operating service life.

The new CNG buses use the Cummins 320 hp (239 kW) L Gas Plus engine, which develops 1,000 Nm (1,356 lb-ft) of torque at 1,400 rpm. The L gas Plus is certified to US EPA 2005 standards, US EPA 2005 transit bus standards, CARB optional low NO_x+NMHC and low PM (Particulate Matter), and is Euro V/EEV capable, with catalyst.

NABI makes the 60-BRT model available with CNG, diesel or hybrid powertrains.

The CNG 60-BRT buses for LAX cost approximately $659,000 each. With delivery of these 12 buses NABI will have delivered more than 230 60-BRT CNG buses to four different operators. Also, 118 additional 60-BRT CNG vehicles are on order with two operators.

LAWA currently operates more than 500 alternative-fuel vehicles in its fleet, using a range of fuels including include liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), CNG, electricity, and hydrogen fuel cells.