Rogue Valley to Receive Millions For Eco-Friendly Buses
Wyden, Smith Announce Funding For Compressed Natural Gas Powered Buses

June 12, 2003

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Senators Gordon Smith and Ron Wyden announced that the Rogue Valley Transportation District, which serves Jackson County, will receive a $2,775,906 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for 11 Compressed Natural Gas buses to replace the diesel buses currently being used.

“These new buses are quieter and emit far fewer pollutants into the air,” said Smith. “If we can find better ways for people to travel, and it’s environmentally superior, than we are successfully improving livability.”

“Many people depend on bus service for their basic, day-to-day transportation needs,” Wyden said. “With less air and noise pollution, these new buses will help protect the health and quality of life for these bus riders—and everyone else within the Rogue Valley Transportation District.”

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses reduce nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide emissions by 90% compared to their diesel powered counterparts. Smog-producing hydrocarbon emissions are 80 percent lower, and CNG buses produce no black soot or other harmful particulates. By contrast, diesel buses release a gallon of soot for every 570 miles traveled.

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