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June 10: Recovery Act Brings $8.5 Million to TARTA

June 10, 2009
Congresswoman Kaptur said the federal award will fund the purchase of approximately fifteen 35-foot buses, ten 30-foot buses, eleven paratransit for the TARPS fleet, and six support vehicles.

The funds also will be used for purchase of a bus-stop and boarding announcement system to enhance access under the Americans with Disabilities Act for 30-foot and 35-foot TARTA buses.Approximately $1 million of the $8.5 million award will be used for maintenance.

TARTA, which serves nine communities and carries almost five million passengers a year, has been a participant in a comprehensive study that investigated the impact of using a mixture of biodiesel fuels and petroleum-based diesel fuel. The study was made possible by a federal award obtained by Congresswoman Kaptur.

At least 48 TARTA buses and a number of City of Toledo diesel-powered vehicles took part in the study, which was conducted by the University of Toledo. The study focused on differences in emissions, engine performance, engine wear, and operating costs.

A mini-bus that was involved in the study has shown the benefits of injecting a small amount of hydrogen in the air intake of the vehicle using B20 fuel. The hydrogen portion of the study was developed and is being directed by H2 Engine Systems, which is located at the Clean Energy incubator at the University of Toledo.