ORLANDO, FL – From the outside, the LYNX bus you encounter on a daily commute may look and operate exactly the same, but what’s powering the bus is now much different. A new biodiesel blending facility is fueling the fleet and the Central Florida Clean Air Team – a coalition launched by MetroPlan Orlando – is taking note. Recently, the team recognized LYNX with the 2010 Clean Air Award for the transit agency’s new blending facility, which has the capacity to reduce annual fuel consumption by 800,000 gallons. The process is expected to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 16 percent, improving air quality in Central Florida.
“We are so proud of this recognition from the Central Florida Clean Air Team for our unique approach to fueling a large, multi-county bus fleet,” said LYNX CEO Linda Watson. “As a transit agency, we are continuously focused on improving air quality, not only for our customers, but for the entire community.”
LYNX is the first transit agency to build, operate, and produce a customized, “on-demand” blend of biodiesel for distribution to local government agencies. Funding for the facility is possible through a $2.5 million grant from the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies program. When complete, the 269-bus LYNX fleet will consume two-thirds of the biofuel produced at the facility. The remainder will be sold to Orange County and the Orlando Utilities Commission.
“Improving our air quality is not only the right thing to do, it is also necessary to ensure we don’t lose out on federal funds for transportation projects in Central Florida,” said Orange County Commissioner Bill Segal, who also serves as board chairman for MetroPlan Orlando. “The Environmental Protection Agency let us know that without measurable air quality improvements we risk losing federal dollars needed to improve roads and build new capacity.”
The Clean Air Team, a volunteer coalition of government, businesses, and citizens, works to improve air quality in Central Florida through outreach and education. Each year, the team presents a deserving business or organization with the Clean Air Award to coincide with Clean Air Month. Judging is based on innovation and uniqueness, the direct or indirect effort to reduce emissions, providing a model for others to follow, and sustainability. Previous winners include Waterford Elementary School & Progress Energy Florida and the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
The 2010 Clean Air Award was presented to LYNX on Friday, May 21 during the grand opening celebration of the blending station. The new facility is located at the LYNX Operations Center.
About the Clean Air Team
The Central Florida Clean Air Team is a partnership of government, business organizations, and individuals all working together to improve air quality in our community. The group encourages everyone to do their part by developing and practicing clean air habits. The Team is a partnership of MetroPlan Orlando, the region’s transportation planning organization. For more information, visit www.cleanairteam.org or call 407.481.5672.
About MetroPlan Orlando
MetroPlan Orlando is the metropolitan transportation planning organization for Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties. MetroPlan Orlando provides a forum for local elected officials and transportation experts to work together to improve transportation for Central Florida residents, businesses and visitors. For more information, visit www.metroplanorlando.com, or call 407.481.5672.