Tiger Transit Goes Green:
AU’s Orange-and-Blue Tiger Transit Buses Now Green

In August 2007, the Auburn University transit fleet of
more than 40 vehicles made the switch from regular diesel
fuel to biodiesel, a cleaner-burning alternative fuel produced
from domestic, resources. AU was the first university
in the state to make the switch.

“Auburn’s leadership on alternative sources of energy
starts on campus,” said AU President Jay Gogue. “Tiger
Transit’s switch to biodiesel illustrates our commitment to
improving energy security for the United States and promoting
economic growth through development and use of
renewable bioenergy.”

Beyond the environmental benefits, the university’s
change also proves beneficial for economic development
throughout the state. The fuel used is produced by Alabama
Biodiesel Corporation based in Moundville, Ala., and distributed
by R. K. Allen Oil Company in Talladega, Ala.

“The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition congratulates Auburn
University for its leadership in moving to cleaner and
more environmentally friendly alternative fuel for its fleet
of transit vehicles,” said Mark Bentley, executive director of
the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition. “The use of such fuel
reduces our dependence on foreign oil, improves the economical
development for the state by encouraging new industries,
and reduces pollution both inside and outside the
buses.”

Bentley added that Auburn’s move to alternative fuels
should help promote more renewable fuel use for personal,
business, and other university fleets.

With the help of the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, the
AU Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts is now examining
a project to collect cooking oil from vendors on the Auburn
campus to produce supplemental biodiesel for Tiger Transit,
as well as a variety of other university vehicles.