June 21, 2006

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy
Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit INTRODUCES BIODIESEL TO ENTIRE FLEET

York, PA – As a continuation of its biodiesel pilot program, rabbittransit will begin introducing B5 fuel (5 percent biodiesel) into all of its vehicles starting July, 2006. A total of 66 buses will be operating on biodiesel and are collectively responsible for more than 1.7 million rides a year.

Last February, rabbittransit announced its partnership with the City of York to use biodiesel in some City and transit vehicles. This demonstration, which uses primarily B20 (20 percent biodiesel), is working so well that rabbittransit is introducing the use of biodiesel in the rest of its fleet. “B5 is the next step forward in converting our vehicles, particularly the older vehicles, to this alternative and emission-reducing fuel,” comments Richard Farr, rabbittransit's Executive Director. “In fact, even the new rabbitEXPRESS commuter buses will begin using the new blend in an effort to improve air quality.” The addition of B5 will allow rabbittransit to immediately decrease its dependence on diesel fuel produced from foreign oil by 30,000 gallons per year. As York’s transit system continues to move towards the fleet use of B20 it will be reducing its dependency by nearly 100,000 gallon annually.

In addition to environmental benefits, there are economic benefits to using biodiesel compared to petroleum diesel. Its use stimulates the agriculture market through soy-based diesel demand, which directly impacts many farmers throughout the region. There are also energy security benefits since biodiesel is produced domestically, thereby reducing reliance on foreign oil.

rabbittransit is the first public fleet in Pennsylvania to use biodiesel on a regular basis and was awarded a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection grant to cover the extra cost of biodiesel fuel.

Biodiesel Press Release: PDF

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.