METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Sun Tran receives first biodiesel bus shipment

Manufactured by Gillig Corp., the new buses will replace existing diesel buses, making the fleet 92% alternatively-fueled.

September 5, 2005
Sun Tran receives first biodiesel bus shipment

 

1 min to read


Sun Tran, Tucson, Arizona's regional public transportation system, received its first shipment of 38 new low-floor, biodiesel-powered buses. Manufactured by Gillig Corp., the new buses will replace existing diesel-only fueled buses, making the fleet 92% alternatively-fueled. Biodiesel, which emits significantly fewer particulates than traditional diesel-fueled vehicles, can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. Other vehicle features include, LED destination signs, digital video and audio recorder cameras, and bicycle racks. Several of the new buses are in limited service, while the majority will be phased in this month.

Topics:Management

More Management

The Future Hits the Road
Technologyby Alex RomanAugust 17, 2026

Jacksonville’s NAVI Project Charts a New Course for Autonomous Public Transportation

Through its NAVI program, JTA is showing how autonomous vehicles, intelligent infrastructure, and coordinated operations can work together to deliver everyday public transportation.

Read More →
An Amtrak Cascades Airo Trainset at a station.
Railby Alex RomanAugust 14, 2026

FRA Announces $5.3B in Rail Investments, Including $2B for Amtrak

Funding will support grade-crossing improvements, infrastructure upgrades, and new Amtrak equipment in 23 states.

Read More →
Finding the Right Balance: Optimizing Transit Maintenance
ManagementAugust 14, 2026

Finding the ‘Happy Medium’: Optimizing Maintenance Without Sacrificing Reliability

The key to maintenance optimization isn’t doing less work—it’s doing the right work at the right time on the right assets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Jonathan Hunt, GM/CEO at MARTA
Managementby Staff and News ReportsAugust 13, 2026

People Movement: MARTA Drops Interim Tag on GM/CEO Hunt and More

In this edition, METRO covers recent appointments and announcements at the FMCSA, HDR, SilverRide, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
A blue and white graphic with text reading "Via Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million Passenger Trips and More."
Managementby Elora HaynesAugust 12, 2026

VIA Metropolitan Transit Reports 2 Million More Passenger Trips as Better Bus Plan Gains Momentum

San Antonio's transit agency said accelerated service improvements are driving ridership growth, offering another example of how increased frequency and workforce investments can translate into stronger transit performance.

Read More →
ABAF Examines Motorcoach Insurance Crisis
Motorcoachby Alex RomanAugust 11, 2026

ABAF Study Reveals Growing Insurance Crisis for Motorcoach Operators

Preliminary findings show 98% of operators faced premium increases over the past five years, while shrinking insurer participation is putting added pressure on businesses and customers.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
PSTA employees clocking in.
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 10, 2026

PSTA Modernizes Workforce Management with Digital Bidding System

The award-winning Workforce Transit Modernization project replaced paper bidding with a transparent digital platform, cutting administrative effort while improving access for operators.

Read More →
APTA Comes to Chicago
Managementby Alex RomanAugust 10, 2026

Chicago to Host Public Transportation's Biggest Gathering at APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026

North America’s largest public transportation gathering returns to Chicago, connecting transit decision-makers with the technologies, ideas, and partnerships driving the industry forward.

Read More →
An LA Metro bus and railcar.
New Mobilityby Alex RomanAugust 7, 2026

New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies: Joshua Schank on Making Transit Innovation Stick

Former LA Metro Chief Innovation Officer Joshua Schank discusses why good ideas aren't enough, how transit agencies can overcome resistance to change, and why today's challenges demand more innovation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Community Transit Swift Green Line bus
Busby Staff and News ReportsAugust 7, 2026

Washington's Community Transit Sets Six-Year Roadmap for Growth, Expansion

Approved TDP targets more bus service, new mobility options, Swift BRT expansion, and a potential Everett Transit annexation.

Read More →