February 14, 2006

CONTACT: Rich Farr, Executive Director
Day: 846-5562
Fax: 848-4853
Email: rfarr@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN
CITY OF YORK AND UNITED BIOFUELS TO USE BIODIESEL IN PUBLIC VEHICLES

York, PA – rabbittransit today announces a partnership between the City of York and United Biofuels, Inc. to use biodiesel in some City and transit vehicles.

“The efforts of rabbittransit, the City and United Biofuels to utilize biodiesel in City vehicles and on rabbittransit buses is a trend-setting partnership and one that shows what cooperation between public and private entities can accomplish for the betterment of our community,” said Richard Farr, executive director of rabbittransit. “We look forward to expanding this partnership and to establishing the framework for other municipalities in the region and the state to utilize biodiesel,” commented Jim Gross, the city’s director of public works.

Jim Gross, the city’s director of public works, expressed his gratitude to rabbittransit and United Biofuels for providing the City with an opportunity to partner on such an important project.

The biodiesel pilot program, which began with five City vehicles last month, provides York with an opportunity to use cleaner burning fuel, which is easier on the engines of the vehicles, said Gross.

United Biofuels, a local producer/distributor of biodiesel in Manchester Township, has been providing the fuel to rabbittransit and the City of York.

“Not only is biodiesel a clean burning alternative fuel, but it’s made from soybeans that are grown right here in Central Pennsylvania,” said John Cole, CEO of United Biofuels. “That means that using biodiesel helps our region’s economy and in our particular, our region’s farmers.”

The City and rabbittransit are two of the first public entities that have applied for a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection grant to cover the extra cost of biodiesel fuel.

PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty announced at the joint press conference with rabbittransit that rabbittransit and the City of York will receive the first Alternative Fuel Incentive Grants in Pennsylvania totaling $398,635 to cover the estimated incremental cost difference between a gallon of conventional diesel and a gallon of 20% blended biodiesel.

rabbittransit is the first public fleet in all of Pennsylvania to begin using biodiesel on an ongoing basis.

Since October 2005, eight rabbittransit buses have participated in this trial and have traveled over 78,000 miles with biodiesel. rabbittransit intends to convert its entire diesel fleet to biodiesel within three years.

“Our drivers and mechanics have experienced improved performance, a positive change in odor, and the elimination of black soot emissions from the older vehicles that are participating in this trial,” said Richard Farr, executive director of rabbittransit.

An environmental group has recently named the York and Hanover metro areas as having the sixth worst soot pollution in the country for mid-sized metro areas. One of the goals of this partnership is to help address these air quality concerns. “We believe our partnership with the City of York on this alternative fuels project is just one more way rabbittransit can improve our residents’ quality of life,” remarked Farr.

Partnership With United Biofuels Press Release: PDF | Word

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.