GREENSBORO, NC (March 3, 2011) – The City of Greensboro is set to debut its newest advancement in transit technology March 4, when Greensboro Transit Authority’s (GTA) first diesel-electric hybrid buses go into service. The three new buses are designed to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable by reducing pollution and increasing fuel mileage.

Greensboro’s Director of Transportation Adam Fischer says that the City is testing the hybrids with an eye on the future. “We’ve invested in these first three buses with a focus on maintaining a more sustainable and efficient fleet of transit vehicles,” says Fischer. “We believe that over time, these buses will prove to be both environmentally and economically superior to our current fleet.”

Manufactured in the US by California-based Gillig Bus Corporation, the hybrids use an advanced propulsion system designed to make the vehicle more sustainable. Because of the minimal engine use, the $593,000 hybrids are estimated to double the fuel mileage, and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50 percent over a similar-sized diesel-only bus.

Unlike a standard diesel bus, which uses 100 percent engine power to move, GTA’s hybrids use electricity stored in rooftop batteries for propulsion during the lower speed travel that is common on most city streets. Only when the buses move at higher speeds do they use more power from their diesel engines. In addition, the vehicles capture energy during braking which is also stored in the battery for operational use.

The buses will be easily recognizable by the low profile battery storage hump on the back third of the rooftop. Initially they will serve riders on Routes 10 – East Market Street, 11- High Point Road, and 12 - South Elm-Eugene Street, but eventually will rotate among all GTA’s routes, except areas limited by height restrictions.

The hybrid buses are 40 feet long, five feet longer than GTA’s current diesel fleet, to provide much-needed additional capacity on high-use routes and during peak commuting hours. Like all of GTA’s newer buses, the hybrids will offer a kneeling feature, bicycle racks, wheelchair accessibility, and various safety cameras.

For more information on the hybrids, including photos of the buses under construction, visit http://www.ridegta.com/.

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