Transit Buses: Implementation Considerations
The following information helps fleet managers consider integrating alternative fuel and advanced technology transit buses into their fleets. It covers vehicles and equipment, fuel and infrastructure, and maintenance and operation. You may also use the comprehensive 11-module Transit Bus Toolkit, developed by Clean Cities and TIAX LLC, to get detailed information about implementing alternative fuels in transit bus fleets.
Vehicles and Equipment
Natural gas and propane transit buses are estimated to cost up to $60,000 more than conventional buses. However, Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grants and financing options for alternative fuel and advance technology buses and infrastructure can offset a significant portion of this cost.
Typically, biodiesel blends can be used in conventional diesel buses. Buses fueled with biodiesel blends might require additional maintenance, especially during the first months of use. This generally means more frequent fuel filter changes during the first year of operation.
Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technologies are being implemented in greater numbers as battery and drive technologies progress. HEVs are good candidates for transit applications because regenerative breaking allows the batteries to recharge frequently on the stop-and-go routes of most transit buses. Several fleets have begun adopting hybrids widely into their operations. Fully electric buses are also used for some applications.
Over the past few years, more than 50 fuel cell buses have been demonstrated in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is evaluating fuel cell buses in revenue service in four different fleets. The results will shed light on the state of the technology, work that must still be done, and estimates of future technology and operational costs. For more about the studies and to view preliminary results, see Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus Evaluation.
Transit bus fleets can also benefit from idle reduction technologies. Many local jurisdictions have implemented anti-idling laws, which have made it difficult for bus operators to maintain cabin temperatures. Multiple advanced technologies have been developed for cooling and heating bus interiors without idling.
Fuel and Infrastructure
Availability, cost, and implementation issues for alternative fuels depend on the fuel type, fuel suppliers, and local market and environmental conditions.
If not already available, the cost of building natural gas infrastructure can be significant. However, entering into supply contracts with local suppliers reduces fuel costs greatly. The Natural Gas Transit Users Group provides assistance with these and other issues to transit agencies operating or considering natural gas transit buses. Propane infrastructure is typically less expensive to install than natural gas infrastructure.
Biodiesel normally can be used in existing diesel fueling infrastructure. It is important to avoid pitfalls related to biodiesel's properties by thoroughly cleaning, maintaining, and inspecting equipment. For more on biodiesel use and infrastructure considerations, see Biodiesel Handling and Use Guidelines (PDF 1.5 MB). Download Adobe Reader.
Maintenance and Operation
Most drivers of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles notice minimal differences in performance compared with conventional vehicles. In some cases, they notice benefits. Natural gas vehicles operate more quietly than their diesel counterparts. Biodiesel emissions contain significantly less particulate matter (soot). Hybrid electric vehicles have high torque, making them ideal for the frequent starting and stopping of transit buses.
When implementing new technologies, fleet mechanics must be trained to ensure the new vehicles are properly maintained. Studies show that costs for proper maintenance and operation of alternative fuel vehicles can actually be less than diesel vehicle costs. For study details, visit the DOE Advanced Vehicle Testing Activity Web site.
Training is available from many sources, including the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium or visit the AFDC Technician Training page for more training opportunities.
Additional Assistance
For additional assistance implementing alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and infrastructure, ask an expert a fleet-related question.