VTA Emissions Reductions Programs

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is committed to a clean environment for the community. As part of this commitment, VTA established an updated Clean Fuels Strategy in December 2000. As part of this program, VTA has taken the leadership in California to work with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and consider means to reduce emissions from diesel buses. To this end, VTA has undertaken the following three programs:

Repowering of 1992 buses with new engines and Continuously Regenerating Technology (CRT) particulate filters. Test and evaluate Swedish Technology (STT) Exhaust Gas Recirculation System (EGR). California Air Resources Board Advanced NOx Reduction Technology Demonstration program.

VTA is in the process of repowering 1992 Flxible buses with 2002 Cummins ISM diesel engines. The newer engines would reduce the NOx emissions of these buses by 20%. The buses would also be equipped with Johnson Matthey CRT particulate filters. These particulate filters are known to have a 90% or better effectiveness in particulate matter reduction.

VTA has equipped one bus with a Swedish Technology (STT) Exhaust Gas Recirculation system along with the Johnson Matthey CRT particulate filter. The modification was allowed by the CARB for testing and evaluation purposes. Upon completion of the installation, the bus was tested at the CARB facility in Southern California. The results of the testing indicated the very significant reductions in both NOx emissions and particulate matter emissions. These emissions were comparable to or less than that of Natural Gas buses and the CO and HC emissions were significantly lower than that of Natural Gas buses. VTA is continuing to monitor the equipment while these buses are operated in revenue service to determine the effectiveness and durability of the equipment.

VTA is the lead agency for the CARB Advanced NOx Reduction Technology Demonstration Program. As part of this program VTA will modify three buses with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Technology. This technology is anticipated to reduce the NOx of diesel engines by as much as 70%. The three buses will be operated in revenue service and the equipment reviewed to determine the effectiveness and durability of the technology.

For More Information on Fuel Cells:
www.fuelcellpartnership.org

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www.vta.org