TransLink bus demo project tests the power of tomorrow

TransLink is exploring the wave of the future through a bus demonstration project that will evaluate the latest propulsion technologies and alternative fuels.

Five pairs of buses, each with a unique colour scheme, will be included in the first phase of testing, beginning this month. The colourfully marked buses will carry transit passengers on regular bus routes in the Greater Vancouver region for a six-month period.

"TransLink expects to purchase more than 1,000 buses over the next eight years, and results from this test program will help us identify the most suitable and cost-effective technology to service the region," said TransLink Chairman Doug McCallum. "In particular, we’re looking for buses that are a good fit for the unique weather and terrain of the Greater Vancouver region."

McCallum thanked the federal government for supporting the project. Transport Canada is providing funding for the diesel-electric hybrid buses under the Urban Transportation Showcase Program, which finances sustainable transportation projects that improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With so many buses to be purchased, it’s expected that the industry will be following the project closely. TransLink has hired an experienced consultant to oversee the collection and assessment of the data and to prepare a final report with conclusions. The consultant’s final report should be delivered in 2006 after the completion of the first phase of the project.

TransLink and Coast Mountain Bus Co. will measure fuel consumption, service calls, emissions, acceleration, braking, hill climbing ability, and noise. Operating costs, capital costs, maintenance requirements, staff training, and life-cycle costs will also be calculated.

The five technologies that will be tested in partnership with industry suppliers are:

Two diesel-electric hybrid buses featuring Allison Transmission propulsion systems. These hybrid buses use small diesel engines and electric motors. As the bus starts to roll, the electric motor provides the initial power. As the bus speed increases, the power source switches from the electric motor to the diesel engine.

Two compressed natural gas (CNG) buses powered by Cummins C Gas Plus engines running on the same fuel that is used in many B.C. homes for stoves, water heaters, furnaces and clothes dryers.

Two biodiesel buses fuelled with a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% regular diesel. Biodiesel is produced from domestic, renewable resources using vegetable oil or animal fats.

Two diesel buses with diesel particulate filters provided by Nova Bus that use highly refined fuel containing less sulfur than regular diesel (15 parts per million versus 500 parts per million), fitted with particulate filters to minimize engine emissions such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.

Two standard diesel buses that represent the newest buses in TransLink’s existing fleet. These buses will be used as a baseline from which to compare the other technologies.

All five types of technology will be tested during regular revenue service for up to 23 hours a day. The test buses will operate out of the Port Coquitlam Transit Centre and will alternate between eight bus routes. Customers will have a chance to ride the buses and tell us what they think through onboard surveys.

In addition to testing the buses in regular service, TransLink will also conduct controlled off-road tests. M.J. Bradley and Associates - a consulting firm specializing in emissions programs - designed the testing protocol and will oversee the project, while Environment Canada will provide the emissions testing.

Phase one of the bus demonstration project will last until April of 2006.

In the second phase of the project, TransLink plans to do further tests with diesel-electric hybrid buses using BAE Systems propulsion systems. In addition, buses using upgraded C Gas Plus engines and a blended fuel of recycled hydrogen and compressed natural gas (HCNG) will be tested. The Government of Canada is providing financial support for the HCNG buses through the Integrated Waste Hydrogen Utilization Project.