Which bus pilot fits the budget and delivery dates?
Alder Climate Team compares first-year projects for a fictional transit authority.
The question
The first-year budget is $300,000. The plan must cover both corridors and forecast at least 200 tCO₂e of operating reductions. Each eligible service-kilometer reduces the exercise estimate by 0.5 kg CO₂e relative to baseline operations. A and C cover the same North service, so choose at most one.
| A · Authority depot | B · South package | C · Partner depot | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corridor | North | South | North |
| Eligible service-kilometers | 240000 | 160000 | 220000 |
| Incremental cost ($) | 180000 | 100000 | 160000 |
There are 1,000 kilograms in a tonne.
“Select a plan and update it when the delivery forecasts change.”
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A strong answer, step by step
Open each step in turn. This is one strong answer, not the only one.
Step 1: What does each option deliver?
What would you do here? Open the move you’d make.
Use the eligible distance to calculate each reduction
The strong move. That uses the baseline and project operating difference for the service each option can cover.
Add A and C because each has its own depot
Tempting, but it misses something. Both options cover the same North service. Adding them would count that service twice.
Use 0.5 as tonnes per kilometer
Tempting, but it misses something. The exercise factor is in kilograms per kilometer.
See how a strong candidate says it
“A forecasts 120 tCO₂e, B forecasts 80 and C forecasts 110. I can add North and South, but the two North options cover the same service.”
Why it works: Multiply eligible service-kilometers by the stated per-kilometer difference, then convert kilograms to tonnes.
Step 2: Which plan qualifies today?
What would you do here? Open the move you’d make.
Choose A and B under the opening forecasts
The strong move. The plan satisfies the two-corridor, budget and emissions requirements.
Choose C and B because it costs less
Tempting, but it misses something. It does not meet the emissions target in the opening forecast.
Choose A alone because it has the largest reduction
Tempting, but it misses something. A covers only North and forecasts 120 tCO₂e.
See how a strong candidate says it
“I would propose A plus B. It covers both corridors and forecasts 200 tCO₂e for $280,000. C plus B costs less and forecasts 190 tCO₂e, below target.”
Why it works: A plus B meets the budget and exactly meets the emissions target.
Step 3: What if the authority depot is delayed?
The grid partner moves the authority depot connection later. Option A now supports 180,000 eligible service-kilometers in year one. Costs and the other options stay the same.
What would you do here? Open the move you’d make.
Keep A and B at 200 tCO₂e
Tempting, but it misses something. That uses eligible distance the depot cannot support this year.
Approve C and B as qualifying at 190 tCO₂e
Tempting, but it misses something. The project still needs a first-year forecast of at least 200.
Report that neither plan qualifies and check alternatives
The strong move. The decision stays tied to the confirmed service dates and target.
See how a strong candidate says it
“The revised A forecast is 90 tCO₂e, giving 170 with B. C with B still forecasts 190. Neither reaches 200, so I would tell the project owner the gap and ask which delivery options are available.”
Why it works: The delay changes how much service A can cover inside the first year.
Step 4: Does the updated partner plan qualify?
The partner depot confirms planning capacity for 260,000 eligible service-kilometers under C. The revised total cost of C is $190,000. B is unchanged.
What would you do here? Open the move you’d make.
Choose the revised C and B, subject to delivery checks
The strong move. This plan meets all three requirements and names the evidence needed to verify actual reductions.
Treat the 210 tCO₂e forecast as an achieved reduction
Tempting, but it misses something. The service has yet to run. Actual distance and energy use will determine the result.
Add the revised C forecast to the delayed A forecast
Tempting, but it misses something. The two plans still cover the same North service.
See how a strong candidate says it
“The updated C forecasts 130 tCO₂e. C plus B gives 210 for $290,000 and covers both corridors. I would confirm the start dates and who will record actual distance, electricity and fuel.”
Why it works: The plan has $10,000 of budget and 10 tCO₂e of forecast headroom. Delivery and measurements determine the result.
The answer, in short
- Decision
- Choose a feasible plan and confirm who owns delivery and measurement.
- Because
- A forecast depends on service the partners can deliver within the budget and year.
- What would change it
- Another change to depot dates, service distance or energy use would change the plan or its measured result.
Common traps
- Check route coverage before combining options.
- Separate projected reductions from measured outcomes.
Check your answer
- I converted kilograms to tonnes.
- I checked both corridors and the budget.
- I revised the plan after the delay.
- I named the records needed after launch.
Last reviewed Nov 11, 2026