Project Details
| Description | Transportation Planning Sustainable Solutions Clean Fuels |
| Location | Jacksonville, FL |
| Client/Owner | Jacksonville Transportation Authority |
Compressed Natural Gas Infrastructure
Under a General Engineering Consultant contract, RS&H assisted the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) with conversion from diesel to compressed natural gas (CNG). Over a 5-year period, JTA will add up to 100 CNG transit buses to its fleet, displacing at least 40 percent of its diesel fuel. As a result, JTA will save money, reduce pollution, and enhance transit services. The project included development of CNG infrastructure, modification of fueling and maintenance facilities, construction of a public-access fuel station, and procurement of new buses.
RS&H and its subconsultant assisted JTA with defining the business case for CNG conversion. We facilitated an industry forum in which JTA, other transit agencies, and industry professionals exchanged information. RS&H conducted interviews with gas suppliers, permitting authorities, and industry leaders to define project parameters. Leveraging its relationships with other agencies experienced with CNG, RS&H helped JTA evaluate the scope of services, project delivery methods, and best management practices.
RS&H developed a performance specification for construction of a compressor station, modifications to existing fuel dispensers and maintenance buildings, design of a public-access fueling station, and procurement of CNG buses. RS&H also worked with JTA and legal advisors to develop an innovative design-build-lease-concession delivery model. It will allow JTA to transition to CNG at no up-front cost via a long-term fuel purchase agreement. RS&H worked with JTA’s team to draft an RFP, hold pre-proposal meetings, respond to proposer questions, and prepare addenda.
RS&H continued to support JTA with evaluation of technical and price proposals, contract negotiations, and project quality assurance. RS&H’s years of experience serving as owner’s representative helped to guide JTA through its first public-private partnership project. The result is a landmark enhancement of JTA’s transit service expected to slash air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while cutting fuel expenditures by about $4 million annually over the next 15 years.
