C-TRAN Reduces Diesel Emissions

C-TRAN Reduces Diesel Emissions by Ninety Percent

For immediate release: November 1, 2006

Vancouver, WA: : C-TRAN, Clark County, Washington’s public transit authority has been awarded over $605,000 in grant monies from the Washington State Department of Ecology to retrofit its entire bus fleet and eliminate up to 90% of its harmful emissions caused by the use of diesel fuel.

Diesel has been the fuel of choice for heavy commercial vehicles because it provides better fuel mileage than regular gasoline, and diesel engines are more durable in commercial use. Until June 1, 2006 diesel had not been held to the same air quality standards as regular gasoline, but thanks to new standards set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency, petroleum companies are now producing ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD). The new ULSD contains less sulfur and allows diesel vehicles to use cleaner technologies for controlling their emissions. This greatly reduces highly toxic diesel particles.

Now with the addition of ultra-low sulfur fuel, C-TRAN has begun the retrofit project to convert its older bus fleet to the new technologies now available; which will reduce the emissions up to 90%. C-TRAN plans to have its entire fleet retrofitted by the end of 2007.

“C-TRAN is proud to be a leader in improving regional air quality. We wanted to take this important first step as soon as possible so the community can feel good about leaving their cars at home and taking transit. Not only do we save our passengers money at the pump, but now we are also saving the air they breathe” stated John Hoefs, C-TRAN Director of Maintenance, Development and Technology.

C-TRAN provides 26 local and premium commuter routes and 5 Connector service areas for the cities of Camas, Battle Ground, La Center, Ridgefield and the Town of Yacolt. For more information on C-TRAN, check C-TRAN’s web page, www.c-tran.com, or call the Passenger Service Office at (360) 695-0123.

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