Alternative Fuels

Alternative Fuels (single-source, non-diesel fuels, such as propane, Compressed Natural Gas [CNG], Liquified Natural Gas [LNG], all-electric, etc.) are increasingly becoming an important issue for both public transit agencies and the communities they serve as new policies affecting air quality are becoming routine. Gauging the cost of alternative fuels is critical to planning for a successful implementation program.

Research and Case Studies

Fuel Cost 1.0: A Tool for Evaluating the Costs of Fuel Options for Transit Buses is provided by VIA Metropolitan Transit (San Antonio), a user of both clean diesel- and propane-fueled vehicles. The cost analysis is for fleets of all sizes.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit [DART] has employed all of the main forms of clean fuels, including clean diesel, liquified natural gas [LNG], compressed natural gas and propane. Here they have provided a report on their use of LNG in the US Department of Energy Report Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) LNG Bus Fleet: Final Results (1MB; Portable Document Format).

With the use of ultra low-sulfur diesel fuel, DART can obtain a 52 pecent reduction in Nox and a 88 percent reduction in particulate matter, all with no modification of existing infrastructure or cost. DART’s extensive information and data on alternative fuels also includes:

  • A presentation on DART’s 2002 Texas Emission Reduction Program grant application, offering relevant data on fuels choices. (1MB MS Powerpoint document)
  • Comparison of Texas options. (55KB PDF document)
  • Federal fuels specification changes. (24KB MS Word document)

Alternative Fuels Committee
Formed to Provide Guidance on Alternative Fuels Issues

TxDOT Public Transportation Division Requirements
Texas Department of Transportation Alternative Fuels Policy

News and General Info
News articles, regulatory announcements, and other documents related to alternative fuels.