For More Information Contact:

Emlea Chanslor, Media Relations 369-6029

 

 

Capital Metro Continues Free Ride Program for

Ozone Action Days

 

10-Year Commitment Leads Clean Air Initiatives

 

For Immediate Release: April 2, 2003

 

(Austin) - Fred Gilliam, President and CEO of the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Capital Metro) today announced that the authority is again offering free rides to its customers on “Ozone Action” days this summer.  This year marks the 10th year that the agency has been providing free rides to customers on Ozone Action Days and is one component of the agency’s overall efforts to reduce emissions and improve the air in Central Texas.

 

“We at Capital Metro are pleased to do all we can to help reduce air pollution in the city and surrounding area. Capital Metro continues to lead the way in Central Texas in finding ways to improve air quality. Capital Metro’s commitments are visible through our fleet, fuel, facility and operational decisions,” said Gilliam.

 

Capital Metro’s commitment to clean air extends beyond ozone action days: the agency works year-round to preserve air quality through its efficient use of fuel, its fleet and its facilities. Capital Metro is the first organization in Central Texas to use ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which emits fewer airborne pollutants than does regular diesel fuel – 92.5 percent fewer sulfur dioxide emissions.

 

In addition to transitioning its fleet to engines with upgraded EPA standards and installing additional emissions treatment devices (Catalytic Regenerator Traps), Capital Metro will receive several hybrid electric buses to serve regular routes later this year.

 

Attached is a detailed list of Capital Metro clean air initiatives.

Capital Metro Clean Air Initiatives

 

Agency Commitment to Reduced Emissions Fuel (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel)

 

Ø       Capital Metro is the first organization in Central Texas to use Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD). 

Ø       CMTA has received the first delivery of ULSD and has phased it in on targeted fleet. 

 

Benefits of ULSD

 

Ø       Emits fewer pollutants into the air than does current diesel fuel. 

Ø       It is made from crude oil using advanced refining techniques to lower the sulfur content to below 15 parts per million (ppm).  Currently, regular diesel fuel has a sulfur content of approximately 200 ppm. 

Ø       The lower sulfur content translates into a 10% reduction in particulate matter and a 92.5% drop in sulfur dioxide emissions. 

 

Agency Commitment to Reduced Emissions Fleet

 

  1. Upgrade of Engines  - Capital Metro will be upgrading engines to the 2003 and 2004 EPA standards.

 

  1. Diesel to Hybrid Conversion (Repower) – Capital Metro is currently considering a pilot program to rebuild with hybrid electric versus traditional diesel.

 

  1. Retrofit devices  - Capital Metro will install after treatment devices on all new and upgraded engines.  When ULSD is combined with retrofit devices, up to a 90% reduction in emissions can be achieved. 

 

New Bus Purchases/Pilots

 

Ø       Motor Coach Industries Purchase – 6 Vehicles (up to 26) that meet 2004 EPA emissions standards.

 

Ø       New Flyer Bus Purchase – 34 Vehicles that meet 2004 EPA emissions standards.

 

Ø       Arrival of Hybrid Electric Buses - Capital Metro will receive the Advanced Vehicle Systems Electric Hybrid buses in late summer.  These buses run on a combination electric/diesel engine system.

 

Ø       Testing Other Pilot Hybrid Units - Finalizing Execution of Options for Two hybrid units from SoundTransit (New Flyer, 40 footers).  Working to do pilot test of Voith Transmissions hybrids – Possibly 2 pilot vehicles (first in US).