Tri Delta Transit switches bus fleet to renewable diesel

Tri Delta Transit, an Eastern Contra Costa County Transit Authority in California, has switched their entire fleet of transit buses from operating on petroleum diesel to using only renewable diesel.

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a low-carbon fuel, produced from 100% renewable and sustainable raw materials. This fuel cuts greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and significantly reduces tailpipe emissions, all while enhancing fleet performance. Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a drop-in alternative to petroleum diesel and is distributed via the same fuel infrastructure.

Tri Delta Transit provides over 3,000,000 trips each year to a population of more than 250,000 residents in the 225 square miles of Eastern Contra Costa County. They operate 14 local bus routes Monday through Friday, four local bus routes on weekends, door-to-door bus service for senior citizens and people with disabilities, and shuttle services to community events.

In addition, the company reports that complaints about engine smoke have been totally eliminated even from the older vehicles in the fleet. Tri Delta's 3,000,000 trips a year are now more sustainable and more rider-friendly because there's no smoke and fuel odor, eliminated by switching to renewable diesel.

"Since changing fuels, we have received zero complaints from drivers regarding vehicle power and reliability, and there has been no change to routine maintenance," said Kevin Moody, maintenance director at Tri Delta Transit. Moody added that none of the drivers were told of the switch to renewable diesel and none of them noticed any difference at all.