Read the classifieds in this issue to learn about 7 bids & proposals and 7 transit job opportunities!

Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood has announced two research grants totaling $766,562 to advance the use of bio-based fuels and lubricants—with the ultimate goals of cleaner air and a decrease in the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.

“We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint through the use of alternative sources,” said LaHood. “These innovative projects are just the latest steps in making our transportation systems cleaner all across the country.”

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded $395,189 to North Carolina State University to continue its research into the use of biofuels for passenger rail and freight operations. This research should yield a possible recommendation of a “premium” biofuel blend for locomotive engines. In addition, the National Ag-based Lubricant Center at the University of Northern Iowa received $371,373 to study the feasibility of passenger and freight railroads using readily biodegradable soy-based lubricants.

“FRA has a long history of funding research to make railroads more energy efficient and cleaner,” said FRA Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. “One of our most successful initiatives is now on Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer route.”

Based on a $274,000 FRA grant, Amtrak equipped a Heartland Flyer train operating between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, TX, to run on a biodiesel blend known as B20—20 percent pure biofuel and 80 percent diesel.

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