Report: Bus emissions higher while driving than idling

Buses driving in traffic release more nitrous oxides into the air and expend significantly more fuel than when idling, according to a recent study. The study, released by the American Bus Association (ABA), is a response to the increasing restrictions placed on buses idling on streets or curbs by states and cities in an effort to clean up the environment. "We face a Catch-22 situation," said Pete Pantuso, ABA president and CEO. "Cities and destinations love the cash-carrying passengers we bring to their door every day, but they don't like for us to idle and don't provide adequate parking." Buses driving in traffic instead of idling, will emit as many as 22 pounds of nitrogen oxide a year for only one hour a day of circulating. Also, buses that drive in traffic instead of idling use at least one gallon of fuel per hour. The study, "Commercial Bus Emissions Characterization and Idle Reduction: Idle and Urban Cycle Test Results," compared the results of six buses with engines between model years 1997 and 2004. For more information visit, www.buses.org