A nonprofit group that provides lodging and transportation for families of patients undergoing medical treatment in Pittsburgh now has a low-cost, “green” way to transport guests.
Family House officials on Tuesday revealed a shuttle bus that runs on compressed natural gas, or CNG. The bus was obtained through a grant from the EQT Foundation.
“This shuttle will help so many more receive the care and support they need during a critical time of their lives,” said Christie Knott, executive director of Family House, headquartered in Bloomfield.
Family House serves about 12,000 families annually. The shuttle will allow the organization to help an additional 1,200 to 1,500 families, officials said.
In addition to increasing capacity, the vehicle will be cheaper and cleaner to operate.
Although natural-gas vehicles get about the same mileage as their gasoline-powered counterparts, CNG sells for about $1.76 a gallon compared with about $3.59 a gallon for gasoline, according to EQT officials.
CNG also emits about 90 percent less carbon monoxide and 29 percent fewer greenhouse gases than gasoline, according to EQT.
“Converting vehicles to run on natural gas not only lessens environmental impact, but keeps the cost of transportation down,” said Natalie Cox, a spokeswoman for the natural-gas provider.
“We're proud to support Family House as it fulfills a critical need of patients and their families by providing a way to increase the number of lives it touches,” Cox said.
The shuttle was purchased as part of a $900,000 grant from the EQT Foundation to help nonprofit organizations obtain natural-gas vehicles.
Other organizations that obtained CNG-powered vehicles are Carnegie Science Center, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Manchester Bidwell Corp. and Allegheny CleanWays.
Tony LaRussa is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-320-7987 or tlarussa@tribweb.com.
