Expert says bus model involved in deadly Calgary crash considered ‘extremely safe’

A leading expert on low-carbon transportation has stated that the compressed natural gas (CNG) buses frequently used in Canada, including those involved in a deadly Calgary crash that claimed three lives, are still regarded as "extremely safe." On Thursday, a chain-reaction collision occurred when a transit bus rear-ended a parked bus, igniting an explosion that injured over a dozen others, including one police officer.

Josipa Petrunic, president and CEO of the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium (CUTRIC), explained that CNG buses are a prevalent and environmentally friendly choice in public transit, with a history of operation spanning the past two decades. CUTRIC reported that there are currently 958 CNG-powered buses in operation across Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia.

Petrunic noted that these buses boast multiple heavy-duty safety mechanisms, such as tools and technologies aimed at managing leakage and minimizing fire risk, with tanks designed to endure significant impacts. However, she emphasized that the most hazardous aspect of these buses, like other forms of public transportation, often lies in the absence of mandatory seatbelts.

Nova Bus, the manufacturer of the rear-ended bus in the Calgary incident, confirmed the company's involvement and stated that it is cooperating with Calgary Transit and relevant authorities as they investigate the crash's cause. Nova Bus emphasized that prioritizing safety remains their top concern and that it is premature to draw conclusions before a comprehensive investigation is complete.

Calgary Transit procures buses from manufacturers that undergo Altoona testing, a rigorous certification process that assesses a bus model's durability and reliability before deployment. The agency's fleet includes nearly 250 CNG buses, accounting for roughly 20% of its total fleet, with plans to acquire about 150 additional CNG buses this year to replace diesel models.