When disaster strikes fleet operators face critical disruptions with diesel and gasoline shortages being one of the top challenges to maintaining essential services. Particularly during Florida’s active hurricane season, the threat of fuel shortages is real and can lead to halted operations and delayed recovery efforts. Hurricanes Helene and Milton tested the entire west coast of Florida, but fleets that use compressed natural gas (CNG) kept things moving.
Continuity During Crisis
Hurricane-related fuel shortages can significantly disrupt daily life. In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, Port of Tampa closed to gas and oil shipments. Many companies and municipalities across the state that are reliant on diesel or gasoline were challenged to maintain operations. Services like public transportation, waste hauling and trucking logistics were difficult as fueling stations literally ran dry. However, for organizations like Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority in Tampa and the City of Orlando, CNG-fueled fleets proved vital to business continuity, even when traditional fuel supplies were interrupted.
Critical services continued throughout the storm and helped speed recovery efforts immediately afterward. CNG provides an alternative fuel source that is not as vulnerable to the same supply chain disruptions that gasoline and diesel-powered fleets frequently face – especially in disasters.
The Benefits of CNG
Fuel Availability: CNG is sourced from underground natural gas pipelines, which remain operational even when surface infrastructure like roads, power poles and fuel stations are impacted by storms. This means that CNG buses and trucks can refuel without relying on access to conventional fuel stations.
Cost Efficiency: Over the long term, CNG is a more cost-effective fuel option compared to traditional fuels – especially important when resources are scarce during and after disasters. One of the key advantages of CNG is that it could help avoid potential price volatility during heightened times of need.
Environmental Impact: CNG is cleaner than gasoline and diesel, reducing harmful emissions. In the aftermath of hurricanes, when air quality can be compromised, the use of CNG helps minimize additional environmental impacts.
Safety and Reliability: CNG is safe. It disperses quickly in the event of a leak, reducing the risk of ignition, while its clean-burning properties make it safer for both users and the environment. In addition to safety, CNG provides reliable performance, fewer emissions, and a stable, sustainable energy supply for fleets and heavy-duty vehicles.
Proven Value
The Tampa Bay area was hit by major back-to-back hurricanes within a matter of weeks. It was unprecedented, but HART kept its buses moving despite widespread fuel shortages, underscoring the value of reliable CNG. Buses were able to refuel, stay road-ready, and support evacuation routes for those in need. HART was even able to offer free rides for customers impacted by the storm.
Throughout West and Central Florida, sanitation fleets running on CNG continued trash pickup to remove debris, reducing associated risk of damages it could cause. And even when traditional fuel supplies were scarce, City Furniture’s CNG fleet delivered essential aid and supplies into impacted areas, providing relief.
CNG is a ready and reliable fuel source proven for maintaining business continuity and improving resilience during and after natural disasters.
Learn more at PeoplesGas.com/CNG and check out this video to hear how HART keeps its bus fleet moving with CNG.
