Environmentally friendly public travel

DOVER -- One public transportation option just got a little more environmentally friendly.
The Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation, a regional transportation service, will use biodiesel in its 15-vehicle fleet of diesel buses. COAST announced the switch from regular diesel this week after a successful one-month trial period.

"We're excited to be able to do this and help the region, which is in serious non-attainment (of federal air quality standards)," said Steve Wells, executive director. "We (are) just trying to do our part."

The blend of biodiesel, known as B20, consists of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent diesel fuel. It is derived from soybean or canola oils, is biodegradable and nontoxic, and emits less pollution. It also has been found to prolong engine life.

The existing diesel engines need no modification to operate on the blend and there has been no reduction in performance with the fuel, making it the lowest capital cost in comparison to other alternative fuels.

The primary reason behind the switch is for environmental purposes, as the cost savings is minimal, Wells said.

"Public transit is an environmentally friendly way to go anyway, but beyond that, our vehicles have emissions, too, and we're conscious of that," he said. "So, we're trying to cut back."
The fleet consists mostly of diesel engines, but Wells said there are two gas engines and a propane engine. The biodiesel is provided by Proulx Oil, which is based in Newmarket.

"Currently, many of the alternate fuel choices require extensive fleet modifications, specialized fueling stations, technical expertise and increased maintenance expenses," said Phil Smith, manager of fleet maintenance. "COAST is always analyzing ways to cut pollution while at the same time keeping costs to a minimum. Biodiesel allows us to do just that. In addition, by using it we are supporting American farming."

COAST is a public, nonprofit transit system that has served more than 7 million passengers in Rockingham and Strafford counties, as well as Berwick, Maine, since 1981.