Transit System Approves Cleaner-burning Buses.

• Position: Dallas Area Rapid Transit - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Board members for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) approved the purchase of 45 cleaner-burning natural-gas buses beginning in late 2001. The buses should help to curb the region's pollutant levels; diesel bus engines' belch nitrogen oxides--a precursor to the pollutant ozone. Natural-gas buses emit about 50 percent fewer nitrogen oxides. Environmental advocates also argue that natural-gas buses emit much less fine soot, which is important to the region since particulate matter is another major pollutant in North Texas. The natural-gas buses will cost the agency $1.75 million more than diesel and another $3.4 million more to run for their 12-year life. The...