Compared to gasoline, propane autogas yields 60% less carbon monoxide, up to 24% less carbon dioxide, 20% less nitrogen oxide, and significantly fewer toxins, hydrocarbons, and other smog-producing emissions.

PLYMOUTH TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Camarillo, Calif.-based Roadrunner Shuttle and Limousine service became the first of its kind in Ventura Country to adopt propane autogas as its alternative fuel of choice.

Roadrunner’s first four ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas Ford E-250s will hit the road this month and another 20 will be added within the next year. Propane autogas is a cleaner-burning, domestically-produced fuel that is among the lowest life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions of all commercially available fuels. Compared to gasoline, propane autogas yields 60% less carbon monoxide, up to 24% less carbon dioxide, 20% less nitrogen oxide, and significantly fewer toxins, hydrocarbons, and other smog-producing emissions. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which Roadrunner services, requires service vehicle companies to run on alternative fuels by 2015.

“Roadrunner Shuttle is committed to giving our customers only the highest standard of service,” said Charles Sandlin, president of Roadrunner Shuttle and Limousine. “To us, this includes cost-efficient transportation that is eco-friendly and reliable.” The propane autogas vans, certified by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), offer the longest range of any other alternative fuel on the market. CARB, the "clean air agency" of California, is charged with improving the air quality and reducing the public's exposure to air contaminants.

“Belts are being tightened for ground transportation companies, both environmentally and economically,” said Todd Mouw, vice president of sales and marketing at ROUSH CleanTech. “We are excited Roadrunner Shuttle has chosen our CARB-certified propane autogas lineup of vehicles to help alleviate these pressures. Propane autogas is proven to reduce vehicle carbon emissions, while saving drivers 30% to 40% on operating costs when compared to gasoline vehicles.”

Although Roadrunner will be refueling its shuttle vans on site, propane autogas has a national infrastructure already in place, with thousands of stations nationwide. “Propane autogas is the world’s third most common engine fuel and is available ‘right here, right now’ for fleet managers looking to follow in Roadrunner’s footsteps,” Mouw said.

ROUSH CleanTech offers liquid propane autogas fuel systems for a variety of light- and medium- duty Ford vehicles, including the F-150, F-250, F-350 pickup truck series; the F-450 and F-550 chassis cab truck series; the E-150, E-250, and E-350 van and wagon series; and the E-350 and E-450 cutaway van series. Offered through authorized Ford dealerships nationwide, the ROUSH CleanTech propane autogas system delivers the same factory Ford performance characteristics and serviceability with a 5-year/60,000-mile limited warranty. Complete details can be found online at www.ROUSHcleantech.com or by calling 800-59-ROUSH.

Sources: ROUSH CleanTech; Michael Campos, LCT assistant editor