METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Tri Delta Transit switches bus fleet to renewable diesel

Neste MY Renewable Diesel is a drop-in alternative to petroleum diesel and is distributed via the same fuel infrastructure.

December 5, 2017
Tri Delta Transit switches bus fleet to renewable diesel

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, Calif. Photo: Tri Delta Transit/Facebook

2 min to read


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, Calif. Photo: Tri Delta Transit/Facebook

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.

More Bus

Cover of METROspectives episode with The Bus Coalition
BusMarch 20, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
County and agency officials break ground in front of a red and yellow King County Metro public transit bus.
Busby StaffMarch 20, 2026

Seattle’s King County Breaks Ground on RapidRide I Line to Expand High-Capacity Transit

The 17-mile RapidRide I Line will bring faster, more frequent service and improved regional connections across South King County.

Read More →
paratransit bus
SponsoredMarch 16, 2026

Measuring the True Cost of Paratransit Fleets

What truly drives the cost of a paratransit fleet? Beyond the purchase price, seven operational factors quietly determine maintenance frequency, downtime, and long-term service reliability. This whitepaper explores how these factors shape lifecycle cost and what agencies should evaluate when selecting paratransit vehicles.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Cover photo for METROspectives with The Bus Coalition
Busby Alex RomanMarch 13, 2026

Inside The Bus Coalition’s Push for Stronger Federal Transit Investment

In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.

Read More →
Cover photo for Biz Briefs dated March 6, 2026
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsMarch 6, 2026

Biz Briefs: Tolar Manufacturing Supports PSTA Spark Service and More

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Passengers boarding a PRT bus
Busby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Pittsburgh Unveils 'Bus Line Refresh' Plan

Originally introduced in 2023 as the Bus Line Redesign, the effort has evolved into a more targeted update that maintains familiar routes while improving reliability, frequency, evening and weekend service, and connections across Allegheny County.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Stickers and a paper bus for S3 bus line
Busby StaffMarch 2, 2026

Seattle's Sound Transit Breaks Ground on S3 Bus Line

S3 will connect communities along SR 522 with fast, reliable, battery-electric bus service from Shoreline South Station to Bothell via Kenmore and Lake Forest Park. 

Read More →
PRT bus stop with articulated bus.
Busby StaffFebruary 20, 2026

Pittsburgh Regional Transit Announces All-Door Boarding on the University Line

All-door boarding will allow passengers to pay while entering the front, middle, or rear doors of the University Line’s 60-foot articulated buses.

Read More →
Patrick Scully, president at Complete Coach Works.
Managementby StaffFebruary 18, 2026

Complete Coach Works Names Patrick Scully President

He succeeds the company founder, Dale Carson, who remains chairman of the board. 

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A MARTA articulated bus.
Busby StaffFebruary 13, 2026

Atlanta's MARTA Sets Date for 'A-Line' BRT Launch

The five-mile Rapid A-Line connects Downtown Atlanta to Capitol Gateway, Summerhill, Peoplestown, and the Beltline’s Southside Trail.

Read More →