SWUTC Research Project Description
Title of Project: An Evaluation of Alternative Fuels Usage by Public Transit Agencies
Project Number: 167321
Principal Investigator:
Ronald E. Goodwin
(713) 313-1959
P.I. Affiliation: Texas Southern University
Project Monitor:
Vincent Sanders
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County
(713) 739-3867
Project Status: Active
Date Started: 9/1/00
Estimation Completion Date: 8/31/01
Estimated Cost - Current Fiscal: $46,000
Estimated Cost - Total Planned: $46,000
Project Summary:
Project Abstract:
With the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990 the federal government strengthened its commitment to reducing urban pollution. Transit agencies responded to the challenge by initiating demonstration projects using alternative fuels in their vehicle fleets. In the early 1990s economists, research scientists, and environmentalist all viewed alternative fuels as a positive measure to improve the declining air quality in many urban areas across the country. The scope of this project involves alternative fuels usage among public transit agencies in the US. This research evaluates current trends in alternative fuels usage in the transportation environment from private autos to public transit fleets. This study also addresses several issues related to alternative fuels and public transit agencies such as research trends, and determining how many alternative fueled vehicles are currently in use.
Project Objectives:
This research will evaluate current trends in alternative fuels usage in the transportation environment from private autos to public transit fleets. Many public transit agencies in Texas, for example, established demonstration projects for the conversion of buses from traditional petroleum to some form of alternative fuels. This study will address several issues related to alternative fuels and public transit agencies:
Task Descriptions:
Task 1. Literature Review:
A review of literature provides the background necessary to understand and evaluate the area of alternative fuels and its relevance in public transportation. Attention will be given to regulations (on the local, state, and national levels) that involve environmental and economic concerns.
Task 2. Identify and Delineate Variables:
Determine the applicable variables from the review of literature that will yield the information desired from this study. From this information a survey instrument will be developed for distribution to public transit agencies nationwide. There will also be an identification of the demonstration projects conducted by public transit agencies in Texas.
Task 3. Data Collection and Analysis:
Data analysis focuses on available alternative fuels information from the public transit agencies. There will be some comparison of local data to national trends. Graphical representation of data will also indicate the relationships between the various variables and will prove useful in supporting the basic research hypothesis.
Task 4. Complete Draft and Final Reports:
A review of the preliminary draft report for sufficient content, depth and substance, as well as adherence to SWUTC guidelines for research projects. To conclude the study, the PI will submit the completed final report.
Index Terms:
Alternate Fuels, Descriptive Statistics, Public Transit