Transit Fuel Task Force

Charge:

Evaluate short and long term strategies for fuel alternatives that will have a positive environmental impact on the Lawrence community.  The Task Force will evaluate the various types of fuels and vehicles available to the City and KU transit agencies.  The joint Task Force will further the coordination of transit efforts between the City and KU and assist both entities in determining potential future vehicle acquisition.  Evaluation should include the following: sustainability and environmental impact, advantages and disadvantages of various fuel systems, operating impact, fuel cost and availability, and vehicle maintenance considerations. If cost/benefit comparisons can be made, that should be included, along with life-cycle cost information.

The immediate goal is to recommend a plan to the KU-City Transit Planning Team to forward to the City Commission for determining how to expend its stimulus funds and earmarks for vehicles to meet the objective of minimizing the environmental impact.  Completion of the Task Force recommendations is targeted for April 22, 2009 to allow for a report at the April 28, 2009 City Commission meeting.  The University will present the report to the KU Transit Commission for consideration for future bus acquisition.

Members:

Dr. Tom Mulinazzi, Civil Engineering, KU

Dr. Susan Stagg-Williams, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, KU

Dr. Chris Depcik, Mechanical Engineering, KU

Mike Sweeten, MV Transportation, contract transit provider for the City of Lawrence and KU on Wheels

Steve Stewart, Fleet Manager, City of Lawrence

Derek Meier, KU on Wheels Coordinator; and Member of Public Transit Advisory Committee; City of Lawrence

Daniel Poull, Chairman of the Sustainability Advisory Board, City of Lawrence

Ilya Tabakh, Transportation Research Institute; KU

Casey Toomay, Interim Transit Administrator, City of Lawrence