METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Utah to switch bus fleet to less costly biodiesel

Agency plans to phase out use of its limited number of natural gas-powered buses.

November 17, 2005
1 min to read


The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) plans to switch to biodiesel fuel for its bus and paratransit fleets, which could save the agency thousands of dollars in annual fuel costs. The agency, which is in the final stages of negotiating a purchase agreement for the fuel, expects to save between 12 to 15 cents per gallon, reported the Salt Lake Tribune. UTA spokesman Justin Jones said that even saving 10 cents a gallon could save the agency $750,000 annually in fuel costs. Use of biodiesel, a mixture of 80% diesel and 20% soy, requires no engine or other infrastructure changes to the buses. UTA, which successfully experimented with biodiesel two years ago, will phase out its limited number of natural gas-powered buses, reported the paper.

Topics:Management

More Management

Stadler's expanded Salt Lake City facility
Railby StaffJuly 3, 2026

Stadler Marks 10 Years in the U.S. with Salt Lake City Expansion

The expansion is expected to create up to 300 new local jobs, some of which are youth apprenticeships, said Stadler officials.

Read More →
A Hitachi Rail screen on public transit.

Hitachi Rail Completes Acquisition of Intelligent Transportation Systems Provider Clever Devices

The acquisition expands Hitachi Rail's North American presence and multimodal capabilities, combining rail and bus technologies to deliver more integrated digital solutions for transit agencies.

Read More →
A Utah Transit Authority public transit bus.

Utah Transit Authority Adopts New Governance Model

State leaders said the changes will improve oversight, coordinate transportation investments, and support expanding transit service across the Wasatch Front.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A group photo of public transportation officials.

Federal Highway Administration Seeks Public Input on Future of Interstate System

The initiative invites feedback on new routes, major upgrades, and emerging transportation needs, including issues that could affect public transit and motorcoach operations.

Read More →
Bridge Renewal Project Aims to Improve Safety and Reliability
Managementby StaffJuly 1, 2026

New York MTA to Replace Three East End LIRR Bridges

Each structure, built between 1895 and 1921, serves vehicular traffic over the LIRR’s Montauk Branch.

Read More →
Zero Fare Pilot Offers Lessons for Transit Agencies Nationwide
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 1, 2026

Transit Pilot Offers Lessons for Expanding Mobility Access

An Urban Institute evaluation found that a fare-free transit program increased ridership, reduced transportation barriers, and improved access to jobs, healthcare, and other essential services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Tolar Manufacturing Reaches 35-Year Milestone
Managementby StaffJune 30, 2026

Tolar Manufacturing Marks 35 Years in Transit Infrastructure Industry

Founded in 1991 by Gary Tolar, the Corona, Calif.-based company has expanded from its first major transit contract in San Diego to projects in cities throughout the US and Canada.

Read More →
Passengers in crowded SEPTA station
Managementby StaffJune 29, 2026

SEPTA Board Approves FY2027 Budget Amid Funding Challenges

The spending plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year and includes investments in new buses, additional full-length fare gates, and other customer enhancements.

Read More →
Charlotte Area Transit System's light rail pulling in to a station.
Managementby News/Media ReleaseJune 29, 2026

North Carolina CATS Approves Fare Modernization, Fare Ambassadors Programs

The initiatives will introduce new payment options, fare capping, and rider education as the Charlotte transit agency looks to simplify fares and improve the customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
California Expands Public Transit Strategy
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California

The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.

Read More →