Rep. Case, All-Star Transportation showcase new Torrington propane buses

TORRINGTON – State Rep. Jay Case, R-63, joined bus company All-Star Transportation and the city of Torrington in showcasing new propane autogas-fueled buses on Wednesday to the Torrington Board of Education and administration.

Rep. Case, a longtime proponent of alternative fuel and fuel choices for consumers, said the event was a culmination of months of planning and hard work by transportation advocates and the legislature. Since the beginning of the 2013 legislative session – Rep. Case’s first year at the state Capitol – the Republican representative from Winchester has been touting propane bus usage for his entire district, which includes Colebrook, Goshen, Torrington and Winchester.

“It’s finally here,” Rep. Case told Torrington officials on Wednesday. “I’m so glad to see that one of the towns I represent is taking a step forward in both energy efficiency and cost savings. The propane buses are a true investment into the future of public transportation – and Torrington is ahead of the curve. The work of so many people has paid off, and now we can continue moving forward.”

Torrington’s school district purchased the new buses as part of a transportation contract extension into the 2017-18 fiscal year. For the first year alone, the district will save an estimated $250,000 on fuel costs by switching from diesel to propane.

Because of the measure that Rep. Case helped push through on the last day of the 2013 legislative session, Torrington Public Schools will receive a 50 cent-per-gallon alternative fuel tax reimbursement for the move to propane, a fuel that burns much cleaner than diesel or gasoline.

“Better economic choices, better fuel initiatives and a cleaner environment are all a great foundation for other towns to build from. Torrington has paved the way for this new form of transportation and I’m happy to see it start today,” Rep. Case said. “Connecticut has always been ahead of the game in being environmentally friendly, and this proves that Torrington is even further ahead.”