BIOBUS PROJECT

     In 2002, the Canadian government along with the Société de Transport de Montréal (STM) became involved in a research project called the BIOBUS project whose aim it was to look at the feasibility of using biodiesel in their fleet. (STM, 2003). Investigations aimed to compare different biodiesel blend concentrations, their effects on engine efficacy particularly with the influence of colder temperatures experienced in this part of the world and to determine their economical and environmental impact.

     In Quebec, nearly 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector. A city bus can carry the same number of passengers as can 50 cars and, under regular circumstances, pollute up to 18 times less! If the use of biodiesel fuel could be shown to further reduce the environmental load, imagine the advantages! (STM, 2003).

     The BIOBUS project was able to demonstrate that biodiesel could continually supply an urban transit fleet even when temperatures plummeted down to -30 degrees Celsius. In addition, it was determined that the 155 buses that took part in the STM project had helped to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 1,300 tons. By extrapolation, it was estimated that annual emissions would be reduced by 42,000 tons if all Quebec urban transit authorities used 20% biodiesel blends as fuel. Across Canada, this reduction was estimated to be 171,000 tons! This obviously makes biodiesel a prime alternative fuel for public transport. (STM, 2003)