Politicians say their goal is cleaner air.
But this purchase won't do much to improve air quality in the District. Operating compressed natural gas buses also requires millions of dollars in additional fueling and safety equipment. Highly flammable compressed natural gas poses unique storage requirements and safety risks. To add compressed natural gas buses to its fleets, Metro would have to build special fueling facilities and renovate its maintenance garages. Everyone wants cleaner air, but buying a few compressed natural gas buses isn't the way to get it.