Atlantic City Jitney buses are going green to help save the environment. The Jitney Association is in the process of converting their shuttle buses into vehicles that will now be powered by compressed natural gas (CNG).

   The 190-vehicle fleet will no longer be the color blue either. They will transform into a multi-color ride painted mostly green that should be easier to spot. Drivers will also have a new look and wear green polo shirts. Meanwhile about 40 buses will soon go into production and will appear on the streets sometime in August.

   Atlantic City Jitney Association Vice President John Lanfranchi said, "The first prototype we had 19 drivers over a 3 week period and I believe all of the comments were positive on the Jitney."

   As a result of the buses converting to a compressed natural gas operation, there could be at least a 50-cent savings per gallon for drivers, less oil changes and fewer maintenance visits. The entire bus fleet should be converted and operational by october.

   The Jitney Association also plans to build a new building with natural gas filling pumps but the relocation is still in the beginning process. The new operation will recycle rainwater for vehicle cleaning and will have solar panels to save on electricity.