October 30, 2006

TriMet becomes state's #1 biodiesel fuel user

611 fixed-route buses join biodiesel mix on Oct. 30th

Starting today, TriMet will be the largest biodiesel user in Oregon with expansion of biodiesel to its entire bus fleet. TriMet will use about 327,000 gallons of pure biodiesel a year, blended in a B5 (5 percent biodiesel) mix with petroleum-based diesel.

"By becoming the state’s largest biodiesel user, we hope to foster growth in the biodiesel industry so more companies can use it in the future," said TriMet General Manager, Fred Hansen.

TriMet is also using ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), which is a cleaner petroleum-based diesel that reduces sulfur content by 97 percent. Combined, the biodiesel/ULSD blend will reduce particulate emissions from buses up to 30 percent.

Benefits:

Other benefits include:

• Reducing greenhouse gases – the number one contributor to global warming
• Reducing dependence on foreign oil
• Moderating the volatile price swings of petroleum-based diesel
• Building the biodiesel industry

Successful testing leads to conversion

Successful B5 trials were first conducted in LIFT vehicles – which provide door-to-door service for elderly and people with disabilities – leading to expansion to all TriMet buses.

• December 2005 – TriMet starts using B5 in 75 LIFT buses. Tests show the fuel performs well, even during cold weather conditions, which had been a concern. TriMet uses 1,350 gallons of biodiesel per month.
• April 2006 – TriMet expands B5 to the entire LIFT fleet of 210 buses. Biodiesel use increases to 3,500 gallons a month.
• October 30 – TriMet’s biodiesel use grows from 3,500 gallons a month to 27,250 gallons a month for the entire bus fleet.

Portland-based Carson Oil Co. won a one-year contract with TriMet to provide soy-based biodiesel, starting October 30. Carson will sell over a million gallons of biodiesel fuel this year.

"Soy is a domestically grown product, producing quality fuel that is competitively priced and readily available," said Jeff Rouse, alternative fuel manager at Carson Oil Co.

Next steps:

TriMet chose a B5 blend because engine manufacturers and the biodiesel industry are still working on B20 specifications, which should come within the year.