00475986

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http://onlinepubs.trb.org...trr/1987/1155/1155-002.pdf

https://scholar.google.co...mall&publication_year=1987

Methanol offers much promise as an alternative fuel whose combustion produces no sulfates and fewer nitrogen oxides and particulates than diesel fuel. Another advantage is that large quantities could be manufactured from domestic coal supplies. On the basis of the assumption that an extensive methanol program might well begin with public transit, the costs and benefits of converting the bus fleets of California's South Coast Air Basin to methanol are estimated. Benefits are based on the reduced mortality attributable to lower sulfates and particulates; costs encompass both bus conversion and replacement. When these benefits are compared with costs over a wide range of methanol prices, conversion to methanol is found to merit further consideration as an antipollution strategy. It is proposed that the analysis be extended to additional potential benefits and costs and to other locales and types of vehicles.

Publication of this paper sponsored by Committee on Energy Conservation and Transportation Demand. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.

01416413

pp 12-17

1987

Transportation Research Record

0309046629

Print

Figures (1) ; References (21) ; Tables (3)

Air pollution; Alternate fuels; Benefit cost analysis; Buses; Coal; Environmental impacts; Equipment; Methanol; Public transit; Reduction (Chemistry)

Conversion

California

California

Environment; Highways; Public Transportation; Society; Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs

TRIS, TRB, ATRI

Sep 30 1988 12:00AM

• ADVANCES IN AUTOMOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND THE MARKET FOR FUEL EFFICIENCY, 1978-1985
• DEMOGRAPHIC INFLUENCES ON HOUSEHOLD TRAVEL AND FUEL PURCHASE BEHAVIOR
• IMPACT OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT ALTERNATIVES ON TRANSPORTATION FUEL CONSUMPTION
• INTEGRATING RESEARCH ON PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND BEHAVIOR INTO ENERGY CONTINGENCY PLANNING
• THE ROADWAY-POWERED ELECTRIC TRANSIT VEHICLE--PROGRESS AND PROSPECTS
• TRANSPORTATION ENERGY OUTLOOK UNDER CONDITIONS OF PERSISTENTLY LOW PETROLEUM PRICES