CyRide in the US has secured funding through the Federal Transit Administration’s Bus and Bus Facilities Competitive Programme to convert 20 buses to run entirely on biodiesel (B100), reports biofuels international.
Transit director Barbara Neal said the support is an important investment in both CyRide and the Ames community. She said the project will give employees the facilities and tools needed to run the transit system while allowing the agency to expand its use of B100, a clean fuel produced in Iowa that helps the environment and supports the state’s farm economy.
The project will back a significant expansion of CyRide’s administrative, maintenance and bus storage facility. It will provide indoor storage for the full fleet, increase maintenance capacity for articulated and clean-fuel vehicles, expand training and office space to match a workforce that has grown by more than 40% since 2008, and strengthen operating capacity to support long-term growth.
Part of the funding will be used to convert 20 buses to operate on B100. The work includes installation of an underground B100 fuel tank and on-site blending equipment to enable year-round use.
CyRide currently operates five buses on B100 as part of a pilot programme launched last year. Initial results have shown strong performance and reduced emissions. Neal said the fuel continues to perform well in the pilot and the new funding will help extend its use to more buses. She said it is a practical and affordable way to cut emissions using a fuel made in Iowa.
The project has received wide community backing from local, state, university and industry partners, reflecting strong regional support for the facility expansion and clean-fuel goals.
