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Atmospheric air pollution with fine particles PM2.5 and PM10 is one of the main environmental problems of the city. This paper presents the results of the study of quantitative and structural components of solid particles’ emissions in the city of Almaty, released during the operation of cars: by an engine with exhaust gases, by tire abrasion, by braking devices (linings) and road pavement wear. РM solid particles in the amount of 543.2 tons are released annually into the atmospheric air of Almaty by motor transport. The bulk PM10 is released totally from the tires, brakes and road – 65.4 %, from the engine – 34.6 %. On diesel buses and trucks, the bulk РM particles’ emissions are released from the exhaust gas engines. Recommendations are given to reduce PM particles emitted by motor transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions from the conventional fleet of diesel buses has made Canadian transit agencies explore low-emission alternative fuels. Despite electric buses showing great potential to reduce emissions during their operational phase, the transformation from diesel buses to electric buses would require in-depth analysis pertaining to their economic and social implications. Published literature highlights the importance of developing a comprehensive framework that considers multiple decision parameters over a life cycle perspective for analyzing different fuel options to replace the existing fleet of diesel buses. This paper assesses the triple-bottom-line sustainability of diesel and electric buses in different regions of Canada. Moreover, a framework is proposed to incorporate multiple decision criteria (life cycle environmental, economic, and social impacts) over different perspectives to make the best decisions for transitioning the diesel bus fleet. The results showed that the environmental performance of electric buses highly depended on the electricity grid mix. Despite diesel buses having a low cost of production compared to electric buses, most provinces showed a low life cycle operational cost for electric buses. Electric buses' life cycle social impacts are high during their production stage, whereas diesel buses have the highest social impacts during their operational phase. Overall, electric buses have a high sustainability performance in all provinces and territories in Canada except Nunavut. The proposed framework and findings can aid policymakers and planners in implementing electric buses for public transit systems in Canada and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]