| In today's world with fuel prices rising almost hourly, | | | | committed to their "Clean Machines". Their fleet of |
| large metropolitan centers are contemplating new | | | | compressed natural gas powered buses reduces |
| cost-cutting ideas for public transportation while | | | | nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions by |
| keeping the transit riding populace happy and on time. | | | | ninety percent versus their diesel-powered cousins. |
| Buses and trains powered by electricity have proven | | | | The buses also produce no soot or other particulates; |
| to be an advantageous option for many cities in the | | | | diesel buses emit a gallon of soot into the |
| Northwest United States, especially in Washington | | | | atmosphere for every 570 miles traveled. |
| State with their ability to keep the price of electricity | | | | Not only are these buses better for the air; they |
| affordably low due to their cache of dams on large | | | | produce less noise pollution as well. Neighborhoods are |
| rivers such as the Columbia. But electric buses and | | | | much quieter thanks to the new natural gas buses, |
| trains are bound to areas where there exist lines or | | | | though perhaps one could miss the bus due to its |
| rails, of course, and for passengers outside of | | | | quieter cruising ability through cul-de-sac-ville! Pierce |
| downtown areas, other options have had to be | | | | Transit owns and operates several fast-fill |
| considered. Overwhelmingly, compressed natural gas | | | | compressor stations that have the ability to refuel |
| has come to the fore as the cleanest burning, least | | | | three buses simultaneously in less than ten minutes. |
| expensive alternative, and its abundance in the United | | | | Also, instead of requiring the purchase of all new |
| States, has made it the overwhelming choice of | | | | buses, Pierce Transit chose to convert their existing |
| transit companies around the country. | | | | fleet to natural gas power, cutting more costs that |
| Pierce Transit, just south of Seattle in the Tacoma, | | | | would have definitely trickled down to the riders if |
| Washington area touts itself as a company | | | | new bus expenditures had proved necessary. |