Big Blue Bus receives nearly $900K to purchase 58 new Cummins-Westport Near-Zero NOx engines
22 November 2016
In California, Big Blue Bus (BBB) will receive $870,000 from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee’s (MSRC) Near Zero Engine Incentive Program. Big Blue Bus will use the grant approved by the MSRC partially to fund the purchase of 58 new Cummins-Westport 8.9L ISL G Near-Zero (NZ) 0.02 NOx engines. The NZ engine is the first mid-range engine in North America to receive emission certifications from both the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Air Resources Board (ARB) meeting the 0.02 g/bhp-hr optional Near Zero NOx Emissions standards. (Earlier post.)
The new engines will be installed over a period of 3 to 4 years, at a rate of 12 to 18 buses per year.
The ISL G NZ features the same Stoichiometric cooled Exhaust Gas Recirculation (SEGR) combustion technology, spark ignition, and simple TWC aftertreatment as the ISL G natural gas engine.
The ISL G NZ can operate on compressed, liquid, or renewable natural gas (RNG). Operating ISL G NZ engines on RNG offers a significant GHG emissions benefit compared to fossil fuels. In addition to the dramatic reduction in NOx, the ISL G NZ will feature Closed Crankcase Ventilation, reducing engine related GHG methane emissions by 70%.
In June 2015, Big Blue Bus was awarded $5.9 million from the Federal Transit Administration, to purchase nine new CNG buses. The recent procurement of both CNG buses and engines will help the agency reduce its current NOx emissions by more than 90% in 2018.
Serving Santa Monica and the Los Angeles area since 1928, Big Blue Bus operates a fleet of almost 200 vehicles transporting more than 61,000 passengers daily across a 51-square mile service area.
Nationally recognized for its long-standing commitment to a cleaner environment, the entire fleet operates on alternative fuels, including renewable natural gas (RNG).
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