• Information Resources
  • Volpe Library
  • Volpe Journal
  • Volpe Highlights
  • Points of Pride
  • Bibliographies

Volpe Center Highlights - August/September 2001

Human and Natural Environment

Director's Notes | Focus | Safety | Mobility | Human and Natural Environment
Economic Growth and Trade | National Security | Papers and Presentations

Protect and enhance communities and the natural environment affected by transportation.

Supporting the Introduction of Alternative-Fuel Vehicles at the Cape Cod National Seashore (NPS)

The Volpe Center is supporting the National Park Service (NPS) in improving transportation to and in our national parks; this work includes planning, systems modernization, and fleet modernization. A recent project involved the specification and acquisition of alternative-fuel shuttle buses for the Cape Cod National Seashore.

The increasing popularity of the Cape Cod National Seashore, in combination with a growing local population, has resulted in serious traffic problems that affect local residents, damage park resources, and degrade park visitors' experience. The Seashore, established by the NPS to protect the cultural and natural resources of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, offers six swimming beaches, 11 self-guided nature trails, and a variety of picnic areas and scenic overlooks.

About a year ago, staff from Volpe's Advanced Vehicle Technologies Division, led by Mr. David Spiewak, began supporting both the NPS and the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority in comprehensive transportation planning activities, which included improvements to existing systems, such as shuttle service to some beaches.

The clean-burning, propane-fueled shuttle busses passed the "white glove" test.

On July 20, 2001, the Seashore introduced a new fleet of five propane-powered buses to be used in a shuttle service to the Seashore's outer beaches from the towns of Truro and Provincetown on Cape Cod. This is a joint project, with funding provided by the participating towns, service provided by the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority, and the vehicles provided by the NPS.

The propane buses replace a fleet of smaller, diesel-fueled buses that were used last year to introduce the shuttle service, which served more than 50,000 visitors. As a result of this popularity, the original buses were nearly always at or over capacity. The benefits of the new buses recommended by Volpe - in addition to their clean-burning fuel - include more passenger capacity, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and bicycle racks. Despite their larger size, the new buses are able to negotiate Provincetown's narrow streets.

Return to Top