The Fargo-Moorhead Metropolitan Area Transit (MAT) has been using biodiesel mixed fuels in its buses for almost 3 years. The Small Urban & Rural Transit Center (SURTC) is examining the direct effect on the bus fleet of switching to biodiesel. Attributes such as fuel economy, ridership, and service records are being analyzed. MAT and city officials will be interviewed to identify changes they have seen since the switch to biodiesel from both a bus fleet and public relations perspective.

Biodiesel is a naturally grown, alternative fuel source. It's a cleaner burning fuel than traditional fossil fuels and therefore substantially reduces emissions of pollutants, such as air toxics and hydrocarbons. It also provides significant reductions in greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Because it is homegrown, it reduces America's dependence on foreign oil, and it is renewable. Studies have also shown that it can reduce wear on the life of an automotive engine by up to half (Biodiesel.com, 2007).