FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2007

WITH BIODIESEL, EVERY DAY IS EARTH DAY AT METRO
Metro will run all 390 buses on 50% soybean biodiesel by summer

CINCINNATI - Spring is here and everyone's thoughts turn to... biodiesel.

Now that the weather is warmer, Metro has increased the percentage of soybean-based biodiesel it uses. All 390 Metro buses are now running on a blend of 40% biodiesel and 60% regular diesel fuel.

Beginning this summer, Metro will increase to at least 50% soybean-based biodiesel. Metro's biodiesel is manufactured in Cincinnati using Ohio soybeans. Ohio is the sixth largest producer of soybeans in the nation.

That's good news just in time for Earth Day, April 22, when Americans are urged to make "greener" lifestyle choices. Riding transit is one of the top ways to make a difference and riding on a Metro bus powered by biodiesel is an even more earth-friendly choice.

Metro's use of biodiesel impacts more than the environment; it also affects the agency's bottom line. The transit system estimates that its use of biodiesel saved almost $450,000 in 2006, compared to the market value of diesel fuel.

In 2006, Metro fueled all buses with a blend of up to 75% biodiesel/25% regular diesel during the warm summer months, and switched back to a more conservative 20% biodiesel blend in colder months when the fuel can gel.

History of biodiesel use at Metro
Metro was one of the first transit systems in the country to experiment with biodiesel, operating its buses several million miles on the alternative fuel. In 1993 and 1994, Metro participated in two successful national tests for soybean-based biodiesel.

In 2000, Metro experimented with biodiesel made from recycled cooking oils from local restaurants. In 2001, Metro operated almost half its fleet on a soydiesel blend. All of the tests were funded through special alternative fuels grants. Based on these experiences, Metro has been pleased with the performance of the fuel in its buses, but cost was an obstacle until recently.

In early September 2005 when Hurricane Katrina caused disruption in deliveries of diesel fuel to the Cincinnati area, Metro arranged to purchase biodiesel in lieu of scarce diesel fuel. Metro has continued to purchase biodiesel since that time.

Biodiesel offers many benefits:

• Burns cleaner than diesel with fewer emissions
• Safe to handle, non-toxic, biodegradable
• Reduces diesel odor; smells like popcorn
• Power and efficiency comparable to regular diesel
• Requires no engine modifications or special fueling facilities
• Made in the U.S.; reduces dependence on foreign energy sources

Metro is a non-profit public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 22 million rides in Greater Cincinnati.
# # #