One of the new biodiesel-powered buses stops for passengers at the West Garage. Photo: Brian Wilson Princeton University's shuttle system, this fall has launched 10 new buses that run on B20 diesel fuel. The shuttles also are traveling on new routes that include 701 Carnegie Center as well as shopping and dining venues.The biodiesel fuel powering the buses has demonstrated significant environmental benefits by reducing carbon dioxide emissions, one of the goals of the University's Sustainability Plan. The new buses also feature increased seating capacity from 14 to 30, low floors with full accessibility and a rear access wheelchair ramp with capacity on the vehicle for two wheelchairs.
Each bus has a front rack for two bicycles and light-emitting diode (LED) signage on the front and sides for better visibility at night. There are doors in the front and the back for quicker loading and unloading. Each bus also is equipped with "TigerTracker," a Web-based GPS that enables riders to track the location of buses online by computers and by Web-enabled mobile devices.
All of the TigerTransit buses used on a regular basis now run on biodiesel fuel, including four 14-passenger buses that have been in the fleet since January. Several of the 30-passenger buses used last spring that run on normal diesel fuel will remain in the fleet as spares when additional capacity is needed during peak hours.
