AATA fleet to run on ultra low sulfur diesel

The Ann Arbor (Mich.) Transportation Authority (AATA) is switching its entire bus fleet to run on ultra low sulfer diesel fuel. The AATA is the first transit system in the Midwest to convert its entire fleet to the fuel. It also beats by four years EPA mandates to switch to the fuel. "Throughout its history, AATA has been a pioneer in pursuing and implementing technologies and materials that improve the environment in and around Ann Arbor," said AATA Executive Director Greg Cook. In the mid-80s, the AATA was one of the nation's first transit systems to begin using low sulfer diesel before converting its entire fleet in 1995. Use of the fuel should result in an immediate 10% reduction in particulate matter emissions. The installation of new diesel engines equipped with particulate filters (supplied by Detroit Diesel), along with the fuel, will result in reductions of 90% or more in particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, as well as a 10% reduction in nitrogen oxide. Find out more at www.theride.org.