Emissions To Air
The emission of combustion gases from our vehicles impacts on air quality. We calculate these emissions annually using MOBILE 6, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved emission model for mobile sources. MOBILE 6 employs emission factors based on the EPA allowable emissions for a particular vehicle type in a particular year. Emission calculations will therefore reflect the age profile of the vehicle fleet and reflect investment in newer vehicles.
Changes in the emission profile of the First Transit fleet largely reflect investment by our customers, while First Student emission reductions are a result of our continuing investment in new vehicles.
During the past 12 months we acquired over 500 new buses. A similar number will be introduced in 2007. The new vehicles meet the most stringent EPA emission standards and will contribute to emissions reductions from our vehicle fleet. In some areas we have sought to further reduce emissions by retrofitting catalytic converters and particulate traps.
In both First Student and First Transit our emissions of combustion gases are reducing. This reflects investments made by our customers and ourselves.
