New eco-friendly buses in GJ

Monday morning, the Mesa County commissioners approved the purchase of two buses that will run on compressed natural gas.

These buses will be used mostly in the urban service areas of Grand Junction.

Not only are the new forms of transportation more eco-friendly, but they're also cost effective. 

Officials say diesel and gas fueled vehicles result in fluctuating prices, where as the compressed natural gas creates a lower and more consistent cost.

There are already two eco-friendly buses currently being used in the Grand Valley, and so far county officials say they've been working out just fine.

Todd Hollenbeck, regional transportation manager, said, “We're seeing benefits already from the two that are out on service, both in reduced costs of fuel use, as well as cleaner benefits towards the system as a whole."

This decision follows a resolution that was approved a few years ago by the Grand Valley Regional Transportation Committee.

Its intention is to move all of the future purchases towards compressed natural gas, with the idea that it will pay off in more ways than one...both economically and environmentally.

The transportation planning manager says they're currently ordering the new eco-friendly buses; however, they won't be in service until the end of 2013.