At MTRWESTERN, we understand the crucial role we play in shaping a greener future, and we are committed to implementing innovative solutions to reduce our carbon footprint. While we continue our longer range focus on transitioning our fleet to electric buses, our immediate focus centers on our strategic decision to utilize R99 renewable diesel fuel as a transitional step in our quest for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
As a leading transportation provider in the Pacific Northwest, we recognize the environmental impact of traditional diesel fuel. The emissions generated by diesel engines contribute to air pollution and climate change, posing a significant threat to our planet and future generations. Enter R99 fuel—a renewable, low-carbon alternative that offers a multitude of benefits for both our company and the environment. Derived from sources such as waste cooking oil, animal fats, and plant oils, R99 fuel represents a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to traditional diesel. By repurposing waste products that would otherwise be discarded, R99 fuel helps us minimize our reliance on finite fossil fuels and reduce our carbon footprint.
One of the key advantages of R99 fuel is its significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional diesel. By choosing R99 fuel to power a portion of our motorcoach fleet, we are taking a proactive step towards mitigating climate change and preserving our planet’s fragile ecosystems. This aligns seamlessly with our company values and underscores our commitment to sustainability.
Moreover, R99 fuel offers economic benefits that further enhance its appeal as a viable alternative to traditional diesel. While initial investment costs may vary (e.g. having fuel tanks installed at our operation centers), the long-term savings associated with reduced fuel consumption and lower maintenance requirements make R99 fuel a cost-effective solution for our company.
In addition to its environmental and economic advantages, R99 fuel offers practical benefits that facilitate its integration into our existing operations. Unlike some alternative fuels that require extensive modifications to infrastructure or vehicles, R99 fuel can be seamlessly integrated into our motorcoach fleet without compromising performance or reliability. This ensures a smooth transition process and minimizes disruptions to service, allowing us to maintain our commitment to excellence while advancing our sustainability goals.
In 2023, 56% of MTRWESTERN’s monthly miles driven were operated with R99 as our fuel source for our buses with plans for increased operations utilizing R99 in 2024 and beyond. The immediate challenge remains access to R99 in Washington State to make R99 fuels costs competitive. While California and Oregon have made great strides on this front, work still needs to be done in Washington to bring R99 to scale for motorcoach operators.
While R99 fuel represents a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability, we recognize that it is just one step on a larger path. As technology and implementation advances, we remain committed to investing when possible in the electrification of our fleet through the adoption of electric buses. Electric buses offer unparalleled environmental benefits, including zero emissions and reduced noise pollution, but widespread adoption may require time and investment to overcome infrastructure challenges and technological barriers. In the meantime, R99 fuel serves as a practical and effective interim solution, allowing us to make meaningful progress towards our sustainability objectives while laying the groundwork for a future powered by clean, renewable energy sources.
Jeremy Butzlaff
MTRWESTERN, President