Automobiles are our biggest air polluter. That's why Intercity Transit service is essential to improving air quality--significantly reducing the emission of air pollutants including green house gases such as carbon dioxide.

Intercity Transit is committed to conserving our natural resources through using alternative fuels, recycling byproducts, reducing emissions, and engaging in earth-friendly initiatives.

Alternative Fuels

We use a blend of 20 percent biodiesel and 80 percent petroleum diesel in all our buses and vans. This fuel blend reduces particulates by 20 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 13 percent, and total hydrocarbon emissions by more than 10 percent.

Biodiesel is made from vegetable and recycled restaurant greases, is less polluting, and is biodegradable. It is also renewable and reduces dependence on foreign oil. More on biodiesel.

Intercity Transit uses ultra-low sulfur diesel for the petroleum portion of its biodiesel fuel. The Federal government required all diesel-powered vehicles to use ultra-low sulfur diesel by 2007. However, we decided to switch sooner as part of our commitment to reduce emissions.

Recycling materials

We recycle buses and by-products. Intercity Transit buses are retired as new buses arrive and placed into service. Retired buses and vans are sold through an auction service, Ehli Auctions at 1222 46th Avenue East in Fife. You may contact Ehli Auctions by calling 253-922-0977 or 800-244-1946 or visit their website at: www.ehliauctions.com.

In addition, here are examples of products Intercity Transit reuses:

• Motor oil, which is re-refined off-site
• Bus wash water
• Recapped tires
• Recycled paper products

And recycles:

• Batteries
• Fluorescent lamps
• Paper and cardboard
• Tires
• Antifreeze
• Oil filters, which are burned for energy recovery and the metal is recycled
• Plastic
• Aluminum cans

Reducing Emissions

The Intercity Transit Authority has adopted a policy statement that establishes fuel and propulsion systems over the next 6 to 10 years.

In summary, Intercity Transit is committed to:

• Pursuing propulsion systems and fuels that reduce emissions, reduce use of fossil fuels, and maximize use of renewable fuels.
• Pursuing technologies that transition the fleet into advanced propulsion systems and away from conventional fuels.
• Increasing ridership as a way of reducing emissions and fossil fuel use.
• Pursuing grants and other funding to implement new technologies and fuel types.
• Seeking partnerships in the community, state, and transit industry to test and implement new fuel types and technologies.
• Reducing emissions by purchasing advanced-technology, clean-diesel engines and operating these engines with the cleanest ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel available. New buses will be equipped with exhaust after-treatment that further reduces emissions.
• A diversified energy program that uses biodiesel.

Emissions from our buses already have been reduced due to new pollution-control equipment, testing programs, and cleaner-burning fuels:

• Our buses emit 90 percent fewer oxides and particulates than they did 10 years ago.
• Buses are being retrofitted with equipment that reduces overall emissions.
• Buses use "clean diesel" fuel, reformulated to reduce sulfur emissions by 90 percent. 

Earth-Friendly Initiatives

We use re-refined motor oils in all our coaches and Dial-A-Lift vans.

• We extend our fluid change intervals to reduce our demand on oil use.
• We recycle much of our waste and no-longer serviceable material such as: paper and cardboard, used fluorescent lamps, batteries, and metal. Many other valuable resources are collected for recycling, as well.
• We recycle water used to wash the vehicle exteriors, saving 500 to 800 gallons of water daily.
• We use recapped tires on the rear of our fleet. The use of recaps allows us to extend the life of tire casings, which in turn decreases our costs and need to purchase tires.
• We strive to use 'environmentally friendly" chemicals and materials in our entire operation.
  We strive to incorporate "green" building practices into future capital projects and/or renovation of existing facilities.