Mud Hens Home Game Service
Call-A-Ride
Park & Ride
Talk to TARTA
Bikes, Blades & Wheelchairs
Lourdes College Routes
Owens Community College Routes
For UT Riders
School Safety Program
The Blade on Board
Benefits of Riding
TARPS
Links
Careers
Road Rules

Can't find what you need?
You can always call us at
419-243-RIDE (7433).

TARTA is taking part in a study investigating the impact of using a mixture of biodiesel fuels and petroleum-based diesel fuel. The study is being conducted with a $1.5 million grant made possible by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9). Ms. Kaptur is committed to America’s “energy independence” by replacing imported petroleum with renewable energy such as biofuels.

The study will be conducted by the Intermodal Transportation Institute at the University of Toledo with two different fuels: ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; and a mixture of 80% ULSD fuel and 20% methyl ester biofuel —known as “B20”—derived from soybean oil and yellow grease (primarily, recycled cooking oil from restaurants).

Forty-eight TARTA buses and a number of City of Toledo Division of Streets, Bridges & Harbor diesel-powered vehicles will take part in the vehicle testing. The study will focus on differences in emissions, engine performance, engine wear, and operating costs. Air quality for passengers will also be measured—a first of its kind.

An additional TARTA vehicle involved in the study—a mini-bus affectionately called BH-1 (short for bio-hydrogen)—will show the benefits of injecting a small amount of hydrogen in the air intake of the vehicle using B20 fuel. The hydrogen portion of the study was developed and is being directed by H2 Engine Systems.


The mural covering BH-1 depicting the production of biofuels was created by Northwest Ohio artist Pamela Shanteau. Pamela is an accomplished airbrush illustrator, educator, and author.

For more information about TARTA's biodiesel project,
please visit tartabiodiesel.org