COLCHESTER, Vt. Motorcoaches are often said to be the most fuel efficient form of passenger transportation, leaving planes, trains and vans in their wake.

But while that is likely the case, darn few consumers make a strong connection between riding a motorcoach and fuel-efficient, environmentally-sustainable travel.

So, what can be done about the disconnect?

The University of Vermont has embarked on a multi-year research project to develop, test and evaluated standards and protocols for a "Green Certification" program for the motorcoach industry and other transportation modes.

"Certification" would not only raise the industrys visibility but also substantiate and validate its "green" claims.

To achieve the programs aims, however, the university needs coach operators willing to participate in an 18-month field test of the plan the researchers have formulated for the bus industry.

The deadline to sign up for the pilot is March 25. The United Motorcoach Association is encouraging its members to participate.

To be eligible to participate in the test, and receive the initial "Green Coach Certification" designation, an operator must comply with at least one of the following requirements:

Operate a coach that has a 2007 or newer EPA-compliant diesel engine

Meet or exceed the industry average of 148 passenger miles per gallon

Run on B-20 (or higher) biodiesel fuel 80 percent of the time

Offset carbon emissions by 80 percent through an endorsed carbon-trading program

Use other emerging environmental technologies that have been identified by the program

As a participant, operators will have use of the programs green-certification logo, which can be placed on the sides of buses, within marketing brochures, and used in other promotional materials.

In exchange, operators will need to be available from time to time to participate in surveys and interviews with researchers from the university.

Among other things, the researchers want to gain an understanding of the impact of the program on consumers, suppliers and operators.

The information gathered during the research will be used to develop a final set of standards for the motorcoach industry to be used for a permanent green certification effort.

To learn more, and possibly sign up, contact Dave Kestenbaum at the University of Vermont at (802) 656-9141, or by e-mail at David.Kestenbaum@uvm.edu.

Again, the deadline is March 25.