UTA to start using biodiesel fuel blend

Beginning June 2, most Utah Transit Authority buses will begin running on fuel made with a mixture of diesel and a soy product.

The transit agency last week made a one-month commitment to purchase a blend of biodiesel fuel from Ogden-based supplier Kellerstrauss. Depending on its cost-effectiveness, the transit agency may extend its commitment to six months, said spokesman Kyle Bennett.

UTA anticipates saving about $6,000 a month by switching to biodiesel.

"I think really more than anything, at a time when transit is at its peak with high gas prices, we're basically committing ourselves to keep fares low and service high," said Bennett. "The savings will allow us to do that."

UTA began looking to purchase biodiesel fuel last November. Two years ago, it began testing biodiesel fuels on about 50 paratransit buses. The test was discontinued because the supplier didn't have money to continue making the fuel blend, UTA said.

UTA buses will be using a blend of fuel that is 95 percent diesel and 5 percent soy product. The agency has the option to switch to a 80 percent diesel, 20 percent soy blend, said Bennett.