WTVM.com and WTVM News Leader 9, Columbus, GA | Auburn University Buses Switch To Alternative Fuel

Auburn University Buses Switch To Alternative Fuel

The orange and blue Tiger Transit buses at Auburn University are now "green." They are being fueled with biodiesel, a more environmentally-friendly mixture. Auburn has become a national leader in alternative fuels, and transit officials say it only makes sense to use it themselves.

More than 40 Tiger Transit buses run 12 hours a day at Auburn. With that much fuel being used, the school has made the switch to an alternative source.

"The process is pretty simple as far as transitioning from regular diesel to biodiesel. Basically we just had our distributor deliver biodiesel," said Rex Huffman, AU transit services manager.

Tiger Transit has been using 10 percent biodiesel, or B10, over the last 45 days. They'll double it within the next few months.

"Everybody's concerned about emissions and the environment. It should give us a reduction of 20 percent of hydrocarbons and sulfates when we shift to B20," Huffman said.

One driver said he can already tell a difference.

"The bus seems to run better off of it, less fumes,"said Mark Battle.

Every eight days, 7,500 gallons of biodiesel are being delivered. Students and faculty members are now using Tiger Transit more than any other point in its history. During the first week of school this fall, 83,000 people rode the bus.

"That's 13,000 more individuals that rode the first week of school this year compared to last year. That in itself reduces congestion on the road and theoretically reduces the emissions because you've got less cars out there," said Huffman.

Auburn is the first university in Alabama to switch to biodiesel. This is also not the first time Tiger Transit has upgraded its services. Earlier this summer, they unveiled a GPS tracking system that allows students to locate them around campus.