March 15, 2007 - First Large Private Sector Bus Fleet in Canada to Switch to Biodiesel: While governments, companies and individuals are talking about ways to reduce greenhouse gases, Wilson’s Transportation is actively doing something about it. In early April Wilson’s Transportation will begin using biodiesel fuel, becoming the first large private sector coach and school bus fleet in Canada to switch exclusively to biodiesel fuel. The switch is part of Wilson’s commitment to a healthier environment for passengers, drivers and the surrounding community.

“We believe that as a local business we must do our part and try and lead the way in improving our environment and preserving the beauty of this city and island for future generations,” says John Wilson, owner, Wilson’s Transportation. “It’s a fundamental responsibility to make environmentally responsible choices in our business and biodiesel is a natural fit for us.”

Biodiesel is a fuel processed from plant-based oils such as canola or soybean, used cooking oil, animal fats or palm oil. Biodiesel is typically blended with petroleum diesel to create a BXX blend, with the number after the B representing the percentage of biodiesel in the blend. Transport Canada has rated B100 (pure biodiesel) as non-hazardous for transportation and storage purposes, the only fuel that has received this designation. Biodiesel is ten times less toxic than table salt and in case of spills, degrades four times faster than petroleum diesel. For more information on biodiesel visit www.biodiesel.org.

As a result of switching the entire fleet of 34 buses to soybean based B20, Wilson’s Transportation will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 147,000 kg (147 tonnes) per year. Biodiesel exhaust has a less harmful impact on human health than petroleum diesel fuel. Biodiesel blends measurably decrease levels of potential cancer-causing compounds. Particulate matter, which is linked to asthma and other diseases, and carbon monoxide emissions are also reduced significantly. Biodiesel does not contain sulphur. Before the end of 2007 Wilson’s plans to implement the use of B40 into the fleet.

Wilson’s Transportation is in the process of installing a dedicated B20 tank at the company refueling station. No modifications to the buses or the engines are required to switch to biodiesel. Maintenance schedules have been adjusted to accommodate more frequent filter changes, which are initially required after switching to biodiesel.

Columbia Fuels, which sells a B5 biodiesel blend at their Rock Bay Island Pass cardlock in Victoria and introduced a B20 biodiesel/heating oil blend called BioHeat to their heating oil customers this year, is supplying the biodiesel for Wilson Transportation.

“Wilson’s has shown tremendous environmental leadership by moving to a B20 blend, and Columbia Fuels is proud to be their biodiesel supplier,” said Jim Smith, President of Columbia Fuels Inc. “We hope that their leadership will encourage other regional fleets to begin making a difference too, as currently we are making biodiesel available to any fleet on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.”

Wilson’s Diamond Tours offers a range of tours and vacation packages around Victoria, Vancouver Island and the United States. Wilson’s Transportation has been providing quality transportation options for over 35 years. More information is available at www.wilsonstransportation.com