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Through the clean air act and other various federal and state legislation, fleets are facing greater pressures to use alternate fuels. This is not because alternate fuels are so desireable, but that they are potentially the fuels, used with recent engine developments, which can meet the future emission standards of the E.P.A.. These alternates are: liquified natural gas, compressed natural gas, methanol and ethanol. Currently there is no national or local publically available infrastructure system for the distribution of these fuels. Despite the weakness in the infrastructure system, alternate fuel usage seems certain to grow in the future. This paper will outline two micro-tests conducted in Chicago using biodiesel as an alternate fuel for in-service motorcoaches. This was an exploratory investigation to determine the effects of the fuel on the engine, the performance characteristics and the infrastructure requirements needed to use this fuel.

The subject of alternate fuels has been addressed for the past 20 years in an effort to solve emissions and world fuel supply concerns. A recent study of the available literature and technology to date pointed out a need for a single source of information for the fleet operator. This paper will be divided into discussions of emissions requirements, world fuel supplies, alternate fuel options and the technical concerns to the fleet operator.

For over a decade engine manufacturers have been pursuing alternative fuel strategies for vehicle powertrains. First came the discussion of fuel selection. Next, whether or not these alternative fuels can provide the utility offered by traditional diesel. Finally, the footrace of technology and hardware to provide utility, reliability and maintainability with the use of alternative fuels. Now the day has come where many alternative fuels are a practical reality. The body of this paper will discuss the utilization of natural gas as an alternative fuel. This paper targets the fleet operator in an effort to provide a single source of information in a concise format. A discussion of emission standards, engine operational strategies, component technology, fuel characteristics and the utility of using natural gas as a fuel will be addressed. The understanding of present and future engine development is of great importance to a successful fleet operation.