Bright House Network Acquires CNG Transit Connect

When Tom Turner, senior fleet corporate manager at Bright House Networks, attended a conference hosted by Clean Energy in California two years ago, he got an idea to help Bright House Networks operate a little brighter, according to Westport.

“Our company was looking for ways to reduce our footprint,” Tom said. “If we can save fuel and make the environment better, that’s what our company wants to do.”

Turner oversees a fleet of thousands of vehicles that serve approximately 2.5 million customers in Florida, Alabama, Indiana, Michigan, and California. The company is the sixth largest owner and operator of cable systems in the U.S. and the second largest provider in Florida.

After meeting a representative from BAF technologies, a Westport company, Turner pursued the purchase of a dedicated compressed natural gas (CNG) powered Ford Transit Connect vehicle.

The CNG Transit Connect is one of the types of alternative-fuel vehicles (AFVs) Bright House is using in its fleet to decrease carbon emissions.

The brand new vehicle was shipped from Spain to Dallas where BAF installed the natural gas system.

It’s currnetly being driven in St. Petersburg, Fla. Westport is a Ford-qualified vehicle modifier (QVM) and BAF vehicles, such as the Transit Connect, meet the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) standards and maintain the original warranty.

Turner and his team will monitor the new transit connect in Florida where where a majority of the company’s fleet is located. A technician supervisor will drive about 6,000 miles over a two month period as part of his or her daily routine while fuel economy and mileage are assessed. Tom says the company’s mechanics will complete an AFV certification course.

Finding a station to fill up with CNG was no problem, Turner said, as there are two in close proximity.