5 Things You Need to Know About Alternative Fuel Mass Transit

The Most Common Mass Transit Fuel

According to the American Public Transportation Association, as much as 90% of all mass transit buses use diesel fuel. Diesel fuel is one of the highest sources of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter, two of the most dangerous factors to humans in air pollutants.

Options for Mass Transit Alternative Fuels

There are several alternative fuel options for mass transit. Electric energy or batteries, ethanol or alcohol fuels, biodiesel, and natural gas are some of the most common options. Depending on the costs of production or the effects on vehicle performance, each type of mass transit can make its own determination on the best options available to them. Recent experience has shown that biodiesel and natural gas present the most logical alternatives to conventional diesel fuel for mass transit use.

Pluses and Minuses of Mass Transit Use of Alternative Fuels

The positive effects of making use of alternative fuels for mass transit vehicles are fairly obvious. With the negative effects of diesel fuel on the environment known, cutting down its use would decrease the effects on the air we breathe. That being said, the costs of production of many alternative fuels is significantly higher than that of more traditional fuel sources, which would trickle down to the costs of mass transit for consumers. It may be said, however, that even though there is an increase in travel cost per person, the cost to the environment without implementation of alternative fuel use could be significantly higher for all inhabitants of the planet in the long run.

Can Diesel Fuel be More Environmentally Friendly?

There is constant research and testing being done on diesel fuel to improve its eco-friendliness. Ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) contains significantly less sulfur than traditional diesel fuel and can be used in all diesel vehicles without modification. Its use can make significant differences in emissions. Biodiesel, which is created from feedstocks like soybeans, can also be used fairly seamlessly in diesel vehicles when mixed with conventional diesel fuel in low percentages.

Organizations that Exist to Improve Mass Transit Fuel Options

The American Public Transportation Association Alternative Fuels Committee was created specifically to research and implement change to this particular problem. Continuing research on the effects of mass transit fuels on the environment while assessing overall transportation performance and affordability to consumers are a few of its primary goals. The Diesel Technology Forum focuses on improving diesel engines and fuels, while the National Biodiesel Board aims at increasing the commercial use of this alternative fuel.

Tracie Close is a freelance writer for print and the web on eco-friendly topics. Her articles have been published in Saving American Manufacturing, Philadelphia Style Magazine, and High Tech, High Touch. She also has contributed numerous articles about green living for eHow.com.