Converting COTA Buses to Electric

for the Benefit of Columbus

by
Olivia Farinas, Mia Huber, Zach Jones, Rachel Zhan
Team 5
Engineering 2367.01H
The Ohio State University

Prepared for
Central Ohio Transit Authority
33 N. High Street
Columbus, 43215

Abstract:
We are proposing that we convert COTA’s buses into electric buses by 2030. COTA currently
has 79 diesel fueled buses, which could be converted into electric buses, and 234 natural gas
fueled buses which would need to be completely replaced. Our proposal would help with public
health issues, global warming, and social inequality. It would severely decrease the greenhouse
gas emissions from COTA buses. Our plan would end up costing roughly $200 million to
account for the costs of obtaining the electric buses, the labor for installing chargers, the social
media marketing campaign, removing the CNG facilities, and installing 500-kW Fast Chargers.

November 4, 2021
 Introduction
Statement of Problem
Greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles in urban areas are a contributing factor to global
climate change. Specifically, the City of Columbus is using a fleet of 79 diesel-powered, 234
compressed natural gas buses, and 2 electric that are contributing to the city’s carbon impact.
This proposal hopes to address the issue of greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the number
of electric transit vehicles in the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA), while encouraging the
use of public transportation through communication and marketing. If successful, the project
should limit greenhouse gas production in Columbus and should facilitate energy-conscious
behaviors from residents. By educating the public about the benefits of public transportation,
which will now be electric, citizens of Columbus will be motivated to do their part in creating a
sustainable environment for years to come.
What are Greenhouse Gas Emissions?
Greenhouse gas emissions are gases, such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, that trap heat in the
atmosphere and contribute toward rising temperatures, extreme weather events, and even
alteration to ecosystems (United States Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.; Denchak, n.d.).
Particularly, carbon dioxide constituted 80% of US greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, while
methane and nitrous oxide accounted for 10 and 7 percent, respectively (United States
Environmental Protection Agency, n.d.). Sources of these pollutants include transportation,
which accounted for 29% of emissions in 2019 (United States Environmental Protection Agency,
n.d.).
Significance
Increasing the number of electric buses for COTA will improve a variety of aspects of life in
Columbus. For example, climate change action, specifically switching to the electric alternative,
will promote healthier communities, a more sustainable economy, and social equality.
Organization of Proposal
First off, the proposal will introduce the current situation of the causes and effects of greenhouse
gas emissions from current public transportation. Second, the plan for the proposed program will
summarize an effective solution, particularly switching from diesel and compressed natural gas
to electric. Additionally, implementing a social media campaign will increase public transport
among college students at The Ohio State University. We run through the benefits and outcomes,
which include economic importance and public health impact. Next, the proposal describes our
qualifications and experience that support the project goals and research. Finally, the budget
breaks down the financial arrangements that will be made toward the project.

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 Current Situation
The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) currently runs 41 routes, which covers a 562 square
mile area. To service these routes, COTA has a fleet of 440 transit vehicles. As of 2020, only 234
of these are labeled eco-friendly compressed natural gas (CNG) buses and the remaining vehicles
are traditional fuel and mainstream vehicles. While COTA has already begun to shift its fleet
toward CNG, it made the promise to move the entire fleet to CNG in 2013. The state of climate
change in the US now requires a more radical shift to a cleaner, greener solution. CNG vehicles
produce greenhouse gas emissions that are 15-30 percent lower than gasoline or diesel-fueled
buses whereas electric vehicles produce roughly 50 percent lower than gasoline or diesel-fueled
buses (Houston, 2019).
Transportation is the leading emitter of greenhouse gasses in the US, accounting for 29% of the
total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. Within the transportation emissions, 58% of
these emissions are from light-duty vehicles which include small passenger cars that are most
used. Buses account for less than 5% of these emissions, meaning that motivating residents to
utilize public transportation should significantly reduce the 58% emitted by personal vehicles
(United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2021).
Figure 1
2019 U.S Transportation Sector Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Source (EPA, 2021)

Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

The rapid increase of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere poses several risks to the world and
the city of Columbus. Some of the impacts the Midwest is expected to face due to the increase of
greenhouse gases include an increased frequency of heat waves, degraded air quality, extreme
rainfall events, and flooding (Melillo et al., 2014). In Columbus specifically, the average
temperatures are projected to increase by 3.8-4.9 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050 if greenhouse

2
emissions to not decrease. This increase in average temperatures will lead to a degraded air
quality, an increased frequency of heatwaves, and an increase in urban heat island effects.
Extreme Weather and Impact on Drinking Water
Along with an increase in temperature, Columbus is expected to experience an increase in
flooding and flash flooding which will lead to more combined sewer overflows (GLISA, 2016).
Due to the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, there has been an increase in extreme
weather events. While the most prominent effects have been to coastal cities with more extreme
tropical storms, Midwestern states have also experienced an increase in strong storms and
precipitation. Specifically in the Midwest, the heaviest 1% of precipitation events are now
delivering 37% more precipitation than in the past which has increased the frequency of flooding
(Melillo et al., 2014). More precipitation leads to more flooding which can cause property
damage and impose a risk on public health through sewage overflow. While this increase in
precipitation and flooding is the primary threat to Columbus created by climate change, the
frequency of seasonal summer droughts will also increase due to the rise in average temperatures
which will significantly affect agriculture in Ohio.
The combined effects of higher temperatures and heavy precipitation pose a large threat to our
public drinking sources (GLISA, 2016). Warmer temperatures combined with an increased
inflow of nutrients from precipitation events can lead to harmful algal blooms growing in our
drinking water supplies (GLISA, 2016). Events where harmful algal blooms have contaminated
clean water supplies have already occurred in Ohio, the most well-known case being in Toledo in
August 2014 when residents were instructed not to drink or use tap water for 3 days due to
harmful algal blooms contamination (Harmful Algal Bloom Research Initiative, 2017). Harmful
algal blooms contain dangerous cyanotoxins that cause several adverse health effects when
ingested (CDC, n.d.).
Air Pollution and Health
Currently, most of COTA’s bus fleet is powered by compressed natural gas (CNG). CNG
vehicles emit ammonia, which is correlated with cancer and other long-term health effects
(Krajinksa, 2020). In addition to CNG buses, the other most common kind of bus run by COTA
are diesel buses, which are related to many health problems in addition to their greenhouse gas
emissions. Particle pollution from diesel and spark ignition results in an increase in airborne
bacteria, leading to more respiratory issues, such as pneumonia or influenza (Croft et al., 2020).
Additionally, diesel exhaust particles are associated with negative cardiovascular effects, such as
arrhythmia and high blood pressure, as well as other conditions like cancer or kidney disease
(Miller & Newby, 2019). COTA is currently working to convert the fleet into CNG buses. Even
though switching to CNG may reduce carbon dioxide emissions, contaminants like NOx
(Nitrogen Oxide) gases are not significantly diminished (Krajinska, 2020). Aside from the
environmental effects of this greenhouse gas, nitrogen oxide and breast cancer are positively
correlated, which weakens the reputation of compressed-natural gas buses as being safer (Chen,
2012). Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are more vulnerable to these
conditions, and their quality of life will decrease. High rates of health effects lead to strain on

3
hospitals and healthcare systems to provide care for many individuals. For example, in 2020,
climate-related events in the US cost 22 billion dollars (Bikomeye, 2021). Despite COTA taking
steps toward reducing diesel emissions with compressed-natural gas buses, they have not
optimized their reduction of total emissions of pollutants, and more money is being spent on
treating victims of air pollution.
Social Inequality
Nonwhite people are faced with a higher risk of particle pollution compared to white people, and
they are also more likely to die prematurely due to particle pollution. Black people are 1.5 times
more exposed to particulate matter than white people (Newkirk 2018). Due to a history of
residential segregation, predominantly black communities tend to be in places that are more
exposed to air pollution. Lower income communities are also disproportionately affected by
these issues because high pollution areas are cheaper to live in (American Lung Association).
People in povert are exposed to 1.3 times more particulate matter than people above poverty
(Newkirk 2018). Before birth, air pollution and other environmental effects increase the risk for
low birth weights and preterm birth in minority populations (Bikomeye, 2021). These poorer
areas use the public transportation system more than those able to afford a personal vehicle. It is
irresponsible to continue to expose those with no better choice in transportation to the previously
described health dangers.
Proposed Program
In response to the pollution produced by vehicles in Columbus, we propose that COTA rapidly
decommission their diesel and natural gas buses and replace them with electric buses, making the
fleet of buses completely electric by 2030. The diesel buses can be repurposed into all-electric
buses, saving on the cost of some of the electric buses. This replacement of the buses will be
accompanied by a marketing campaign to encourage the usage of eco-friendly electric buses.
This proposed program will have many benefits for the citizens of Columbus and will help bring
the city closer to a carbon-neutral state. Forcing people to buy electric cars is not a viable option,
thus, improving the sustainability of buses should attract more citizens to use them instead of
their own vehicles. Changing public transportation instills awareness for the residents of
Columbus, who may be inclined to purchase their own electric vehicles to protect the
environment. Even if they do not buy an electric vehicle, riding electric buses still contributes
towards the goal of reducing emissions. Encouraging citizens to engage in more sustainable
activities will have more of an impact if they see the city engaging in those same activities. Commented [ZR1]: Feels like this fits better in the
proposed program section rather than the current
Electric Buses situation?

COTA currently runs 234 compressed natural gas buses, 6 diesel-electric hybrids, and 79 diesel Commented [FR2R1]: I agree probably better for what
buses (Central Ohio Transport Authority, 2021). Though the compressed natural gas buses are we expect to result from the project
better for the environment than diesel, they still have a carbon footprint nearly twice as large as
electric buses. According to Figure 2, presented by the Union of Concerned Scientists, all three
kinds of these buses emit over double the grams of CO2 per mile that battery electric buses do.
Replacing the current fleet of buses with electric buses will make a substantial impact on the
greenhouse gas emissions output by Columbus.

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 Figure 2:
Compared Lifecycle emissions from transit buses in California (O’Dea)

The effect of natural gas on the environment depends on multiple factors, including methane
leaks of the fuel and the global warming potential used for methane. Jimmy O’Dea writes that
the Union of Concerned Scientists’ study used “conservative estimates for both” (2021). He goes
on to write “Using higher, yet justifiable, assumptions for methane leaks and its global warming
potential, the global warming emissions of natural gas buses can change from 12 percent less
than diesel (as used in this study) to 20 percent greater than diesel” (2021). With this
information, it is clear why we must make a change to something better than CNG buses. If
further studies show that natural gas has more of a potential to cause climate change than we
currently think, we will increase Columbus’s contribution to climate change, not reduce it.
Increasing Public Transportation Usage
To get further reduction in vehicle related pollution, we need people who do not currently use
public transport to use it more. To accomplish this, we will encourage citizens of Columbus to
use the new buses. We will use a social media campaign to encourage students at The Ohio State
University to utilize public transport more, as they are a demographic that can make use of
public transportation, as many students do not have a car when they begin college and can
explore the city. COTA fees are already part of students’ tuition, so they only need to be
convinced to give it a chance. Additionally, if college students see the value of Columbus’s
public transportation while students, they will continue to use it even after they graduate.

5
According to the American Public Transportation Association, there were 19,141,500 trips made
on COTA’s buses, defining a trip as whenever someone boards a bus. In comparison to a
population of 1,368,035 in 2010 (American Public Transportation Association), the average
citizen of Columbus made about 14 trips in 2019, just one week of trips to and from a
destination. This also means for most every other trip outside of those 14, the average citizen
used their personal vehicle, putting more greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. Encouraging
students to become life-long users of public transportation will reduce the proportion of residents
that do not use public transportation and can encourage a culture that values and utilizes public
transportation more than we currently do.

Figure 3
Feelings of those in advance economies on changing their personal lives to help
fight climate change (Bell et. al)

Reducing the city’s dependence on and usage of personal vehicles will further reduce the
greenhouse gas emissions of Columbus. Through proper communication, the COTA buses
should become a more desirable method of transportation. A recent report from the Pew
Research Center found that most citizens of advanced economies are willing to change the way
they live (Bell et. al). If we supplied citizens with the means of making a real impact on the
future of climate change, the evidence supports that they will make what difference they can by

6
riding public transportation more often. Increasing use of public transport lowers the number of
cars putting exhaust into the air.
Economic Importance
In addition to fighting the pressing issue of climate change, reducing Columbus’s reliance on
fossil fuels has important implications for the city’s spending on transportation in coming years.
Koppelaar and Middlekoop describe the history of oil in the energy market and claim the battle
between oil and renewables has already been decided against oil. Currently, all increases in oil
production has come from unconventional and more expensive methods, as the peak of easy-to-
extract oil has already come and gone (149). “Total oil discoveries have continued to decline
despite oil price growth, and in the last five years we produced four times more oil than we
discovered, with about 43% of discovered oil coming from deep-sea costly-to-produce fields”
(153). Analyzing these trends, we see that oil and similar fossil fuels are nearing the end of their
dominance. Though there are new methods of extracting oil developed and used, the easiest, and
thus the cheapest, is running out. The cost to produce will go up, and so too will the cost to the
city, for public transportation still running on fossil fuels, and to the citizens, as the oil they
require gets too expensive for them. In the interest of the city’s long-term financial health, we
must find ways to mitigate our reliance on oil and other fossil fuels.
This may seem like a minor issue, as almost three quarters of COTA’s buses are fueled by
natural gas, not gasoline or diesel. Natural gas is also a non-renewable resource and will go
through the same price increase as it gets scarcer and methods to extract it come at higher costs.
This may not happen for years, but it will happen because of its natural state as a fossil fuel.
Additionally, the energy efficiency of electric buses far exceeds that of natural gas buses. In a
study conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, battery powered buses (BEB)
were run on the same line as compressed natural gas buses (CNG), and the data loggers on the
bus record information about each bus on the route. “When comparing the logged data, the BEB
fuel economy is more than 8 times higher than that of a CNG bus operating exclusively on Line
291” (Eudy & Jeffers, 2017). Though the initial cost of buying a new electric bus is higher than a
fossil-fuel-powered one, the long-term price will be lower, making the switch a smart one in
addition to being an environmentally friendly one.
Growing the public transportation in Columbus will also yield economic benefits to the city.
According to the American Public Transportation Association, 87% of trips on public transport
directly benefit the local economy, with 50% of trips being work related and 37% of trips being
to recreational spending (American Public Transportation Association, 2021). The association
also claims that “investment in transit … offers a 5 to 1 economic returns. Investment offers
productivity gains long after the short-term stimulative effect” (American Public Transportation
Association, 2020). We can keep Columbus growing by investing in an improved fleet of buses
to support its citizens.
Public Health
As noted in the description of the current situation, the pollution by fossil-fuel-powered vehicles
has local health effects as well as global ones. Globally, 4.2 million people die every year from

7
health outcomes related to air pollution exposure, such as lung cancer and cardiovascular
diseases (Gai et al., 2020). For Franklin County, heart disease, COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Disease), and stroke rank 2nd, 3rd, and 5th for leading causes of death, respectively
(Outdoor Air Quality and Your Health, n.d.) Air pollution, which is notably traced back to
transportation, only exacerbates these conditions. Even a young girl from the UK died from
severe asthma attacks that were caused by air pollution (Gunderson, 2020). Children are more
prone to being affected by ailments caused by emissions, and the current status of buses serves as
a public health threat. Though CNG buses emit lower carbon dioxide compared to diesel, they
still release other greenhouse gases. Simple activities, such as walking outside, allow people to
be exposed to the various toxins emitted from buses. If we change to electric buses, there is a
lower risk for individuals to be exposed to harmful pollutants. Life expectancy and quality of life
should increase, since people are less affected by chronic illnesses.
A study conducted found that if the United States implements 25% electric vehicle adoption,
there would be a 242 million metric ton decrease in CO2 emissions, 437 deaths avoided due to
PM 2.5, and 98 deaths avoided from ozone formation annually (Peters, 2020). Further, a model
done in the Midwest demonstrated that reducing 20% of residential car trip emissions would
reduce mortality by 525 deaths per year (Peters, 2020). Ohio could potentially follow this goal of
reducing car trips by 20%, which would lessen the burden of deaths from air pollution each year.
Converting the COTA buses to electric, along with providing a social media campaign for
increasing use of electric public transportation should reduce car trips significantly. In terms of
staying active, citizens still have to walk to and from bus stops to get to their destinations, which
promotes well-being. Becoming more aware of the health impacts might inspire citizens to buy
their own electric cars as well.
Forming connections between minority groups and higher-level community leaders unites
perspectives and improves resilience to climate change (Social Dimensions of Climate Change,
n.d.). Improvements in the health of marginalized communities should facilitate continuation in
the fight against climate change. Knowing that policymakers and other important stakeholders
care about the health of these populations by converting buses to electric, minorities will feel
included and empowered to work together toward more solutions with air pollution (Social
Dimensions of Climate Change, n.d.).
By reducing emissions of the buses to zero and reducing the usage of personal cars, the air
quality, and consequently the health of the citizens of Columbus, can be improved. Also,
community efforts to further develop solutions for climate change in other areas will be
strengthened.
Qualifications and Experience
Our team is made up of students studying civil, computer, and environmental engineering, as
well as public health. Our education at the Ohio State University has provided much experience
in facing hard problems and finding solutions to them. Civil engineering prepares us to make
solutions for residents of cities, and how important transportation is to the residents of a city.
Environmental engineering focuses on how the innovations being made today can be integrated
into the environment for preservation purposes. Public health emphasizes an understanding of

8
overlooked health impacts caused by common issues, such as air pollution and the preventative
measures required in response to these issues.
In addition to our personal expertise and education, the research we have found supports our
analysis of the current situation and the viability of our proposed solution. Both independent and
government research show that climate change is an important issue that must be solved.
COTA has already bought two electric buses, a stride of progress toward fewer greenhouse
gasses. To make a real impact, we must continue this effort that COTA has already started. We
as students at Ohio State know that efforts to reduce our effect on the environment have been
supported by the student body and the faculty, and this latest initiative can be one they support as
well.

Budget
The price of a new electric bus is about $790,000 (“Zero Emissions”, n.d.). COTA has already
purchased 2 electric buses which brings down the total electric buses that COTA needs to
purchase to replace its 321-bus fleet to 240 buses. Many buses, however, have been changed
from diesel to electric sources for as low as $260,000 and as high as $500,000. Taking this into
account, we are assuming that converting each of the 79 diesel COTA buses to electric buses will
cost around $300,000 each (Corbett, 2020). This means that COTA only needs to purchase 240
new electric buses convert its fleet.
Along with the cost of replacing and renovating the existing COTA buses, COTA will also have
to build new chargers for the existing buses. To service the 321 electric buses, ten 500-kW Fast
Chargers will be built at the existing COTA McKinley Avenue Bus Facility. Each of these fast
chargers costs $349,000 (“Zero Emissions”, n.d.). These fast chargers can provide 30 miles
worth of charge in 8-13 minutes. A new electric bus can travel 150 miles on a full charge,
meaning that it will only take 2 hours for a bus to fully charge (Warren, 2021). As these chargers
are faster, only 10 are needed to service the 321-bus fleet. Buses will also be able to quickly
charge throughout the day when needed, decreasing the need for more chargers.
To install each of the 10 chargers, there is an installation fee of $300,000 per charger that
accounts for the cost of labor and the tools needed to install the chargers (“Zero Emissions”,
n.d.). Before the chargers can be installed, the existing CNG infrastructure at the McKinley Bus
Facility needs to be demolished. The current CNG infrastructure is 1500 square feet (Bowen,
n.d), and the cost of demolition per square foot is $12, meaning that the total cost of demolition
is $18,000.
Finally, the last step in implementing COTA electric buses is to launch a 2-month social media
marketing campaign to encourage the use of the electric buses. Running a month-long social
media campaign, including the cost of labor and software, costs $2,000 per month and $4,000 in
total (Barraclough, 2021). A breakdown of these costs is listed in the table on the next page.

9
 Table 1
Estimated costs of Electric Bus Program
Item Unit Cost (USD/item) Quantity Total Cost (USD)

Diesel to Electric Conversion $300,000.00 79 $23,700,000.00

Electric Bus $790,000.00 240 $189,600,000.00

500-kW Fast Charger $349,000.00 10 $3,490,000.00

Charger Installation (labor) $300,000.00 10 $3,000,000.00

CNG Facility Demolition $12.00 1500 $18,000.00

Marketing Campaign (Social Media) $4,000.00 2 $8,000.00

Total Cost $196,116,000.00

The cost for each phase of the project and the cost of the project as a whole. In conclusion, the
project will cost about $196,116,00.00. This includes the cost of the conversion of 79 diesel
busses to electric busses, 240 electric busses, 10 500-kW Fast Chargers, Charger installation
labor, compressed natural gas facility demolition, and the social media marketing campaign.
Conclusion
COTA currently has 79 diesel fueled buses, 234 compressed natural gas-powered buses, and 6
hybrid diesel-electric buses, which we propose all be turned into electric buses by 2030. It will
severely decrease the greenhouse gas emissions of Columbus, which will benefit the
environment, human health, and social justice. This proposal would require money to pay for the
conversion of the buses to electric powered, charger installation labor, CNG facility demolition,
500-kW fast chargers, and the social media marketing campaign. As well as the concrete benefits
that our plan would have, it could also encourage other cities to take steps toward electric bus
systems, or it could encourage more private electric vehicle use. Thank you for considering our
proposal, and if you would like to follow up with us, we can be reached at the following
addresses.
Name Email
Olivia Farinas farinas.4@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Mia Huber huber.513@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Zach Jones jones.6606@buckeyemail.osu.edu
Rachel Zhan zhan.205@buckeyemail.osu.edu

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