A Different Kind of Gas Station
Vehicles powered by natural gas are turning up everywhere
in southwestern Connecticut, and the infrastructure is expanding to
make it easier to “gas up.” Natural gas vehicles emit 30 – 40% less
carbon dioxide than conventional vehicles. Smog-producing
gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, are reduced
by more than 90% and 60%, respectively.
The Town of Fairfield has been growing its fleet of natural gas vehicles for several years.
With assistance from the U. S. Department of Energy’s Clean Cities Program, Fairfield led a
coalition of regional leaders to expand the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in the region.
This regional effort has resulted in new CNG fueling stations in Trumbull, Stratford, and
Bridgeport, and an upgraded fueling facility in Fairfield. Now, each of these communities is
actively purchasing CNG vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks.
• Fairfield – The town has approved purchase of two CNG school
buses. It currently operates 28 CNG vehicles, including a CNG Para-
transit van.
• Trumbull – The town is fueling three light-duty vehicles and a heavy-duty leaf truck.
Funding applications are pending for two additional leaf trucks and two school buses.
• Stratford – The town operates two heavy-duty trucks and one light-duty van and has grant
funds to purchase two more CNG vehicles.
• Bridgeport – The city operates two bi-fuel CNG vans and one bi-fuel CNG pickup. Now
that the Bridgeport CNG station is operational, these vehicles are running exclusively on
compressed natural gas.