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The Orange County Transportation Authority's Cleaner Air through Reduced-Emission Systems (OCTA CARES) program is evaluating several options for reducing transit bus emissions. OCTA initiated the program in response to the 1991 Federal and California heavy-duty emission standards, and potential South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) requirements for transit fleets to utilize clean alternative fuels. Through the OCTA CARES program's Comparative Evaluation of Clean Fuels demonstration project, alternative fuels such as methanol, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) are being demonstrated and evaluated in Gillig Phantom buses equipped with Cummins L10 engines. Data are being collected on all aspects of on-road bus operation and performance, including fuel economy, fuel prices, maintenance, and road calls.

The 1991 Federal and state heavy-duty engine emission standards, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) potential requirements for fleet use of cleaner fuels, have motivated the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) to evaluate clean fuels for use in transit vehicles. The objective of this project is to operate transit buses on various clean fuels to identify the best approach for OCTA's operations. Technologies tested to date are methanol with the ignition improver Avocet, compressed natural gas (CNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and diesel used in Gillig Phantom buses equipped with Cummins L10 engines. Six clean-fuel buses have been operating in service since August 1990. This paper includes an evaluation of bus operating data and exhaust emissions. Data are being collected on all aspects of bus operation, including fuel economy, fuel prices, maintenance, and road calls.