Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by awharris on August 18, 2009 at 4:15

The problem is that you can't yet buy a NGV in Louisiana. California, New York and now Utah are the only States that offer the only NG production vehicle: the Honda Civic GX. Maybe this is a harbinger though that it is coming to LA. It only makes sense for this area!

I suspect that most people would not use Sport Tran's filling station though. I doubt they would be able to supply NG more cheaply than filling up at home. Although, maybe they would be able to offset their profit with a better rate from the gas supplier. Also, the home filling station has a limited life. It costs ~$4000 and lasts about 3-years before needing a ~$2000 rebuild, I've read. Fueling up at Sport Tran might extend the time for the rebuild.

You're still not going to use a NGV for anything but a commuter car. It has less than a 200-mile range and on-the-road filling stations are a long way off.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by sesport on August 18, 2009 at 15:38

AW - I'm wondering how a government entity (SportTran is the city bus) can sell it's fuel to the public. Unless the station is actually vendor operated, in which case this may be possible I suppose. But I think the laws forbid a government owned & operated pump and or station from selling the supply, probably purchased through a government bid, to the public, IMO.

thanks :0)

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by awharris on August 19, 2009 at 3:26

Hmmm...good point.

I didn't even know Sport Tran was city-owned, but this is from their web site:

By 1970, ridership had dropped to the point where it was no longer profitable. In 1972, the City of Shreveport, using a federal grant, purchased the system and contracted with a private management firm to operate the system. Shreveport contracted with Bossier City to operate two routes in Bossier that same year. In 1974, the City adopted the name SporTran for the system.

Maybe it is that "private management firm" who would provide the NG to the public

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by awharris on August 19, 2009 at 10:53

I talked to Gene...the head of Sport Tran. He said they DO have the ability to sell to the public at this time. They are exploring their options (hi-press trunkline, etc) right now. It will be over a year before their NG busses will arrive.

Maybe in the meantime, our elected officials can enact a State tax exemptions matching the Fed's, both for the vehicle and also for the "Phill" unit.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by sesport on August 19, 2009 at 12:55

aw - I'll check again, but I thought a state bill was passed (co-authored by Jane Smith)? Thanks for the info re. SportTran, IF they can meet the public need, it may mean more NGV sales since not everyone will be able to get the Phill unit.

best - :0)

• ▶ Reply