Finally, a mechanic who saves you money
You'd think bus mechanics would need bonuses and shareholder incentives and all that good free-market stuff to come up with cool solutions like this one in Portland:
Changes in transmission calibrations and steering alignment boosted mileage almost a third of a mile per gallon -- from 4.4 to 4.7 mpg -- during recent tests on several diesel buses.
Although at first glance the mileage increase does not seem large, TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen said the savings become significant in light of 550 buses driving 27 million miles a year. The agency expects to pay more than $6 million for fuel in the fiscal year starting July 1.
In addition to fuel savings, the steering alignment strategy also substantially increases tire life on front-turning wheels, but TriMet has yet to calculate the total potential savings on tire costs.
Of course, there could be some sort of financial incentive lurking behind the scenes here, but it isn't mentioned in the article. Could it be that people can take pride in their craft without recouping a share of every penny of benefit?
Post Author:
rj3 | 10:18 AM |
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The interesting thing to me (here in DC) is the bottom of the article. They're paying $1.15/gallon in Portland?
My guess is that government-owned agencies can buy gas without paying tax on it, since a taxpayer-funded entity paying tax would be rather redundant.
Diesel is always cheaper than gasoline.
It's way cheaper in Hyattsville ($1.99 unleaded, $1.69 diesel). Minus 50 cents state tax, I could see how Portland could pay $1.15/gal.
Also, they probably bought their current gas contract months ago.
