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    1. Bus

    TransLink introducing renewable diesel to its bus fleet

    Dec. 15, 2023
    The transit operator says the move to renewable diesel fuel is a way to cut its emissions immediately while it plans its fleet transition to zero-emission vehicles.
    TransLink
    TransLink will begin use of renewable diesel at its Surrey Transit Center in January 2024.
    TransLink will begin use of renewable diesel at its Surrey Transit Center in January 2024.

    TransLink is bringing renewable diesel – a fuel made from organic waste – to its bus fleet as a way to immediately cut emissions as outlined in its Climate Action Strategy. 

    “The time to take climate action is now,” says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. “By introducing renewable diesel to our bus fleet, we’re doing our part to move away from fossil fuels. Renewable diesel will deliver rapid GHG reductions while we work to electrify our fleet.”

    TransLink’s Climate Action Strategy contains three target dates and associated greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) reduction goals:

    • Reduce GHGs 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030
    • Operate a zero-emissions fleet by 2040
    • Achieve net-zero GHGs by 2050

    TransLink reports 64 percent of its total emissions are produced from diesel vehicles and the use of renewable fuel could lead to an 80 percent GHG reduction across the whole lifecycle, which includes the production and consumption of fuel. 

    Surrey Transit Center will be the first bus depot to transition to renewable diesel, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The center is home to about 90 buses and the transition of the single depot will reportedly reduce total GHG emissions by 6,550 metric tons, which is five percent of TransLink’s total emissions. 

    TransLink says it plans to introduce renewable diesel to additional transit centers in 2024 and is studying if renewable diesel is an option for SeaBus and West Coast Express. 

    About the Author

    Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

    Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

    Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content. 

    She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

    She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.

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