OCTA OKs Purchase of 90 Diesel Buses

County transit authorities on Monday approved the purchase of 90 diesel buses even as some environmental proponents argued that the county should begin buying vehicles powered by less-polluting, alternative fuels.

With its unanimous vote, the Orange County Transportation Authority signaled agreement with a staff report that found that “although a transition to alternate fuels is imminent, this is not the right time.”

Transit authorities said Monday that the so-called “clean” diesel buses they will buy will meet current air quality standards, will help save money and presents the least risk in terms of delaying delivery. The estimated cost of the buses is $18 million, according to a staff report.

Some air quality advocates said they are disappointed by the vote.

“I thought there would be more consideration to the issue,” said George M. Gallagher, the president of the Irvine Conservancy.

Dennis Zane, who also spoke to the board before the vote, criticized the purchase.

“My sense is that there is a feeling (on the transit authority) this is important for the future, but they are not aware the future has already arrived,” said Zane, the executive director of the Coalition for Clean Air in Los Angeles. “I’m disappointed.”

Regulators for the South Coast Air Quality Management District tried to persuade the county transit authority to buy 50 large buses powered by alternate fuels like methanol, natural gas or variations of such fuels. They contend that it makes more sense to purchase alternative fuel buses now in light of stricter air pollution standards scheduled to go into effect in 1995.

Also, the Southern California Gas Co. offered to construct a natural gas fueling station if transit authorities bought 20 to 50 liquefied natural gas buses.

However, a staff report stated that a lengthy permit process might mean there would not be enough time to install a liquefied natural gas facility in time for the buses’ delivery in January, 1995.

Transportation staffers said the cost of buying and operating 50 alternately fueled buses would be about $10 million over the 12-year life of the vehicle.