Why are there not more Alternative Fuel Buses on the Road?

Question

I have heard a lot of commotion about transit buses being used to decrease emission levels in cities, yet it seems that there are proportionally few of these on the road. How much more do these buses cost than diesel buses? Aren't there grants out there to help pay for these?

Answer 1

Because of the limited supply of alternative fuels.  Simple supply and demand.

Answer 2

You are right there should be more environmentally friendly buses and other mass transit vehicles, and I believe that you will see more of these in the near future as many governments are beginning to retrofit their current equipment.  And there are often grants to help both private companies and local and state governments retrofit old vehicles and purchase new 'green' ones.  Regardless, though, for each person (usually) on the bus, there is one less vehicle on the road.  So, even though they are not a environmentally friendly as they could, and should, be, it is the idea that there are that many less vehicles on the road that is the great thing about riding the bus.

Answer 3

I've seen quite a few natural gas-powered buses in California.  The state has to approve funds for such vehicles in their budget, and fortunately California is a very environmentally-conscious state.  You're right that these alternative fuel buses should be more common.

Answer 4

Almost all of the buses in Dallas run on compressed natural gas.