OCTA Studying Alternative Fuels for Buses

The Orange County Transportation Authority’s board of directors Monday ordered a study of the possible use of alternative fuels to power a fleet of 50 new county buses.

OCTA had been prepared to make a $12.5-million purchase of 40-foot transit buses that run on so-called “clean diesel” fuel that produces emissions that meet both state and federal clean-air guidelines.

But after listening to comments from a representative of the South Coast Air Quality Management District and companies that supply liquefied natural gas, methanol and propane, the board unanimously ordered its staff to study the use of alternative fuels and report within 30 days.

The suppliers, including Southern California Edison, offered to discuss whether they could help offset the higher cost of vehicles that operate on alternative fuels.

“We said we’d be glad to talk with them, and if they wanted to invest in the cost we’re more than willing to talk to them about it,” said OCTA chief executive officer Stan Oftelie.

The additional costs include production, maintenance and supply facilities, said John Catoe, OCTA’s director of operations.

“If we move out too quick, we can invest in technology that doesn’t pan out,” Catoe said. “We have to consider the economic impact as well.”

Orange County ranks fourth in the nation, ahead of Los Angeles County, in the number of public transportation vehicles running on alternative fuel. Of the county’s 852 vehicles, 237--or 28%--run on alternative fuels such as propane, liquefied natural gas and methanol.

In addition to the 50 buses being considered Monday, the county plans to acquire 28 federally funded buses that will run on propane; 15 30-foot buses which will run on propane or electricity, at a cost of $3 million; and 25 paratransit vehicles, which will run on propane, at a cost of $2.37 million.

Catoe said that the alternative fuel technology has been demonstrated in the smaller vehicles and is economically viable.

In other action, the board voted 7 to 3 to extend Oftelie’s contract by three years, with a 2.1% annual cost of living raise for this year and future cost-of-living raises.

Oftelie also said it is too soon to determine the impact of state budget cuts on the county’s commuter rail programs. However, at the meeting he did announce that $40 million would be spent on street and road projects in various Orange County cities. The money, for improvements to interchanges and intersections, comes from Measure M, state gas tax and federal funds, Oftelie said.