In a joint ceremony Friday (Dec. 19), the county transit system Yolobus and the campus-run system Unitrans will put 18 new, clean-running, disability-friendly buses into service.

At the 9 a.m. ceremony at the UC Davis Memorial Union terminal, Yolobus and Unitrans managers will publicly thank elected officials who supported funding for the transit programs. They include U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson, U.S. Rep. Wally Herger, former California Assembly member and current Yolo County supervisor Helen Thomson, California Assembly member Lois Wolk, California Assembly member Mike Machado, and other county supervisors and city council members from throughout Yolo County.

The Sacramento metropolitan area has unhealthy levels of air pollution. To contribute to clean-up efforts, the regional transit systems (Unitrans, Yolo County Transportation District, Sacramento Regional Transit) have worked together for 10 years to use cleaner bus fuels. Their efforts have served as a model for the bus industry and other transit fleets. In this case, Sacramento RT helped Yolobus and Unitrans save money by including the new buses in a large RT purchase.

With the introduction of the 18 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, the Yolobus fleet becomes 100 percent clean running and the Unitrans fleet 90 percent, putting them among the cleanest transit fleets in the country.

The buses being introduced Friday feature a new "low-floor" body design that makes it easier for disabled riders to get on board. All the buses have ramps for wheelchair users and brighter destination signs, making them easier to see both day and night. The seat configurations are tailored to each system's clientele: the Yolobuses have maximum seat space while the Unitrans buses have maximum standing room.