Transit authorities may implement a combination of the two options, involving some diesel and some alternative fuel buses. The Bus Industry Gears for Change Engine manufacturers are working quickly to develop alternative engines that meet EPA standards. In fact, engine manufacturers now offer a number of heavy-duty engines that run on alternative fuels. In general, bus fleets are well suited to alternative fuels. Buses are used on routes that require a known range per tank of fuel.
Buses have well-defined space and weight requirements for accommodating passengers.
And transit buses are maintained in a single maintenance facility that can conveniently service alternative fuel vehicles. Local factors, such as the availability of the alternative fuel, the size of the particular bus fleet, and specific environmental requirements, often help local transit officials determine which clean-air technology is their best choice. Local transit agencies around the country are changing to different clean-air bus technologies to improve air quality and meet EPA emissions requirements. Electric The Chattanooga, Tennessee, transit authority is involved in one of the world's largest experiments using electric buses. The buses use electric motors powered by batteries.