The Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA) has announced plans to run all 16 of its diesel buses on a B20 biodiesel blend as part of efforts to cut emissions and improve air quality in Shasta County, reports Record Searchlight.
RABA said B20 is made up of 20 per cent biodiesel and 80 per cent conventional diesel and can be used in existing engines without any changes to vehicles or fuel facilities.
Biodiesel is produced from renewable materials such as vegetable oils, animal fats and used cooking oil. Its use helps reduce dependence on petroleum and lowers harmful emissions. Studies indicate that using B20 can cut carbon dioxide emissions by about 15 per cent while also reducing smoke and other air pollutants.
The agency said passengers will not notice any changes to bus services. Operations and schedules will remain the same, as the biodiesel blend can be used through RABA’s current fueling system without affecting performance or reliability.
RABA is sourcing the biodiesel through a fuel supply agreement with Ed Staub & Sons, allowing the blend to be delivered directly to its fueling station in Redding.
RABA transit manager John Andoh said public transport plays an important role in connecting communities and should be operated in an environmentally responsible way. He said moving to B20 biodiesel offers a simple and effective way to reduce emissions while continuing to provide reliable service to residents of Shasta County.
The agency said it will closely track how the biodiesel performs and will look at further ways to increase the use of renewable fuels in the future.
In addition to the biodiesel initiative, RABA currently owns three electric vehicles and plans to add more over the next seven years. These purchases are supported by grants and are part of efforts to meet California rules that require all public transit fleets to shift to zero-emission vehicles by 2040.
