Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) has achieved an impressive 98.5% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions, exceeding the 85% reduction requirement from 2002 levels, set by the California Air Resource Board for transit diesel engines.

MST accomplished the PM reduction after completing a yearlong project to install new emission reduction filters in 37 of its buses. Filters will also be installed in six MST trolley vehicles later this year.

The $905,590 project was funded through the State Transportation Improvement Program, Congestion Management Air Quality and State Transit Assistance Funds. MST’s remaining 24 diesel engine buses, manufactured after 2003, already have emission reduction devices installed.

“MST is pleased that this important project was funded and resulted in such a dramatic decrease in emissions. The technology to reduce emissions for transit vehicles continues to improve, resulting in cleaner air for our region and benefiting residents and visitors alike,” said Michael Hernandez, Chief Operating Officer for Monterey-Salinas Transit.