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Winter bus in action.

As oil prices continue to rise, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has started looking for alternative fuels which would cost less, have lower emissions, and decrease our dependence on the Middle East’s oil reserves. One option that has become more feasible is the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to fuel vehicles. Natural gas is an extremely clean burning resource that has become cost-competitive with other fossil fuels. Natural gas is best stored and transported as a compressed or liquefied gas.

This Yellow Bus, designed by industry and INL personnel, is meant to keep the familiar feeling of the old tour buses used in national parks. The use of such buses in National Parks is aiding in the government’s effort to lower emissions in order to better preserve the parks. Natural gas is an extremely clean resource. In fact, the green house emissions from a vehicle running on natural gas are around 80% lower than the emissions given off by traditional fossil fuels (such as diesel and gasoline).

New international chassis model.

This particular bus, designed for Yellowstone National Park, has recently been adapted to fit on an international chassis. It is also designed with a unique “year round” capability. In the winter the wheels are removed, and replaced with tracks.

This Yellow Bus has been fitted with treads for winter snow. It is also equipped with a high zoom camera and a screen inside. This allows tour guides to zoom in on any animals that may be farther off the road.