Metro uses almost 1.8 million gallons of biodiesel in 2006, saves nearly $450,000

CINCINNATI – In 2006, about half of Metro’s total fuel was biodiesel made locally from Ohio soybeans. In all, Metro used almost 1.8 million gallons of biodiesel, up a third over its original projection of 1.3 million gallons. Metro’s 390 buses use about 3.6 million gallons of fuel total per year.

Metro estimates that the use of biodiesel saved almost $450,000 in 2006, compared to the market value of diesel fuel. The transit system intends to continue its use of biodiesel in 2007.

During warm weather months, Metro fueled all buses with a blend of up to 75% biodiesel/25% regular diesel and switched back to a more conservative 20% biodiesel blend in colder months when the fuel can gel.

Biodiesel has a positive impact not just on the environment and Metro’s budget, but also on the economy of the region and the state. Ohio is the sixth largest producer of soybeans in the nation.

History of biodiesel use at Metro

Metro was one of the first transit systems in the country to experiment with biodiesel, operating its buses several million miles on the alternative fuel. In 1993 and 1994, Metro participated in two successful national tests for soybean-based biodiesel.

In 2000, Metro experimented with biodiesel made from recycled cooking oils from local restaurants. In 2001, Metro operated almost half its fleet on a soydiesel blend. All of the tests were funded through special alternative fuels grants. Based on these experiences, Metro has been pleased with the performance of the fuel in its buses, but cost was an issue until recently.

In early September 2005 when Hurricane Katrina caused disruption in deliveries of diesel fuel to the Cincinnati area, Metro arranged to purchase biodiesel in lieu of scarce diesel fuel. Metro has continued to purchase biodiesel since that time.

Biodiesel offers many benefits:

Burns cleaner than diesel with fewer emissions
Safe to handle, non-toxic, biodegradable
Reduces diesel odor; smells like popcorn
Power and efficiency comparable to regular diesel
Requires no engine modifications or special fueling facilities
Made in the U.S.; reduces dependence on foreign energy sources