The Comet now uses biodiesel in its 39 diesel buses

Aug. 5, 2019

The Comet now uses a B5 biodiesel blend in 39 large transit buses as part of an initiative to help improve air quality in Richland and Lexington Counties, and reduce its carbon footprint.

Biodiesel is vegetable-oil based, renewably resources, less polluting and biodegradable.

B5 Biodiesel is a low-level biofuel blend consisting of up to 5 percent biodiesel and 95 percent petroleum diesel fuel. The blend is legally classified as a diesel fuel, which eliminates any operational or potential warranty concerns users may have.

B5 biodiesel, when properly handled, will perform just like diesel. The fuel has been approved for use by most diesel automobile and truck manufacturers, including Cummins, the engine that powers the Comet’s diesel buses. Compared to petroleum diesel, biodiesel is safer, biodegradable and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based diesel.

The Comet is studying ways to try B20 biodiesel, which would increase the ratio of biodiesel to 20 percent based on the successful incorporation of B5 biodiesel into the fleet.

The biodiesel fuel is coming from Petroleum Traders Corporation and James River Solutions based on vendors from the South Carolina State contract.

“Public transportation is a cornerstone of community vitality, sustainability and environmental stewardship,” said Comet Executive Director and CEO John Andoh. “Since 2014 when the Comet started using propane, it is the intent to uphold these qualities through our commitment to sustainable practices, leadership principles and accessibility.”