Because of its safety, reliability and efficiency, diesel is the predominant power source for public transit, school and intercity bus services nationwide.

More than fourteen million Americans rely on public transit services to get to work, to school and to neighboring cities.

Because of its safety, reliability and efficiency, diesel is the predominant power source for public transit, school and intercity bus services nationwide.

• More than 80 percent of the nation's full-sized transit buses are powered by diesel.
• Intercity buses account for 32 billion passenger miles each year-- and most are diesel powered. Currently, Greyhound Bus Line serves 3,700 destinations across the country and connects communities with no other public transport option than diesel buses.
• Approximately 60 percent of America's elementary and secondary school students travel to school on diesel-powered buses. One reason: safety. Diesel fuel is less flammable and explosive than gasoline.

Emissions Reduction

Diesel power systems are undergoing revolutionary technological advancements that have already achieved dramatic reductions in emissions for urban buses and highway engines. Advances in emissions-control systems and ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel (ULSD) are helping clean diesel engines achieve emissions performance equivalent to compressed natural gas (CNG) and other alternatives.

The latest federal standards taking effect in 2007 virtually eliminate emissions from new diesel buses-- reducing particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 98 percent from 1988 levels. New technologies are also being used to upgrade (or "retrofit") older diesel engines. Retrofitting devices are reducing key pollutants from existing bus fleets by up to 90 percent. Take a minute to learn more through the Forum's Online Retrofit Tool Kit.

Clean Diesel's Advantage

Clean diesel buses offer significant operational advantages over many alternative fuels, and assure reliable, durable and cost-efficient bus transportation.

A community will get more clean air for the dollar with a clean diesel bus fleet compared to CNG. Clean diesel buses are 20 to 25 percent less expensive than CNG buses, and do not depend on the separate fueling infrastructure required for CNG. Buying new diesel buses and retrofitting older buses allows transit agencies to convert a greater portion of fleets to clean diesel in order to meet state emissions requirements.

Diesel Buses Near You

Many cities have begun using the latest in diesel-hybrid technology to allow their transportation systems to be not only more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. Cities across the country currently use a variety of diesel technology to provide public transportation.

Read more about new diesel technology being used in national parks and cities' public transportation systems throughout the United States and Canada.