In regards to Ryan Dashek's column:
Reducing idle time is a nice idea but probably won't save any money. Diesel engines usually consume very little fuel when idling (unlike gasoline engines) - it varies on the size of the engine, but from about two gallons per hour, to a gallon every two or three hours (which is more likely). Sure, you could save some money on fuel by cutting out a few minutes of idling here and there across the whole fleet, but you'd increase wear on the engine and starter motor, costing far more than you'd save.
A better cost-saving measure would be to educate the drivers about how to drive more efficiently. I've heard of such programs being successful for airlines and railroads, and I'm sure it's been done with buses too. Accelerate more slowly, anticipate and coast toward a stop (rather than holding down the gas), use downhills to assist you (rather than starting at full speed at the top and braking the whole way down), etc. These tips work for any driver, of course.
As far as the wrap ads - they're ugly and obstruct vision. I'd love to have somebody come up with a better way to make up the difference in revenue (and I doubt any ridership change based on getting rid of the ads would come close). Until then, I'm content to ignore the ads, as every one of them is for something I'd never buy.
Kynan Shook
UW Student
