In an effort to help the environment the Regional Transit Authority is purchasing 39 buses that will run on biodiesel fuel and those buses should hit the streets soon.

The move to biodiesel vehicles comes as the cost of diesel and gasoline skyrocket, but the move has nothing to do with the bottom line. In fact, RTA officials say it will cost more to use the biodiesel, approximately 15 to 20 cents more per gallon.

“Everyone was looking to do something to clean the city up,” said Kenneth Songy of the RTA. “We’re one of the largest users of diesel in the city and the state and if we can cut down on the pollution we put out, it should help the city in general.”

Songy said the money for the buses and the extra cost of the biodiesel is already in the budget and they are hoping for federal grants to help keep the fares low.

Songy said there is no plan to raise fares at this time.

Environmental scientist Dean Moosavi said the city’s move is a bold one, and a smart one.

“A big diesel bus going by can trigger an asthma attack,” he said. “If the fuel burns cleaner, you’re less likely to have those kinds of problems.”