Approximately 3,000 pieces of equipment in the entire fleet (includes mobile and stationary). 850 vehicles in the rolling stock fleet.

315 trucks in the Philadelphia region running on biodiesel fuel blend (B20). 20 trucks operate on LPG (propane).

Fuel suppliers: Biodiesel- Petroleum Freighters; LPG- Amerigas

In 1996, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission started experimenting with a blend of biodiesel fuel known as B20. “At the time, biodiesel wasn’t considered a viable alternative fuel. Due to mandates in the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy Act, we were obligated to start looking into alternatives,” says Mike McClurkin, Fleet Equipment Operations Manager for the PA Turnpike Commission. In 2000, the PA Turnpike Commission began using biodiesel in some of its fleet. Today, the B20 blend of biodiesel is gaining in popularity due in part to its affordability compared to regular diesel. Mr. McClurkin’s response to the cost-savings and affordability of alternative fuels was cautiously optimistic. “I’m hoping that’s the case. It’s really too early to say that [biodiesel is more affordable]. But, that’s the way it’s supposed to work.”

The PA Turnpike Commission has 15 more LPG vehicles on order. They will be added to the fleet by the end of 2005.

Mike McClurkin, Fleet Equipment Operations Manager