Right Lane Cruiser
04-21-2009, 08:21 AM
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/2/AmericanFlag.jpg The hybrids, bought primarily with federal money, cost about $515,000 each, nearly $180,000 more than diesel buses. (http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090420/NEWS01/904210317)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Daimler_-_Orion_VII_Diesel_Electric_Hybrid.jpgBarry M. Horstman - Cincinati News (http://news.cincinnati.com) - April 20, 2009
Our future is worth the cost. --Ed.
One fringe benefit to using public transit is the knowledge that you're doing something good for the environment.
Starting this week, some of Metro's passengers will have even more reason for feeling that way when the bus company adds new low-emission, high fuel-efficiency hybrid buses to its fleet.
Timed to coincide with Earth Day on Wednesday, Metro's hybrid program will begin modestly, with six hybrids replacing older vehicles in the company's 388-bus fleet. Next year, federal stimulus money will enable Metro to buy 15 more hybrids.
The hybrids look like traditional buses, except for a large energy-saving battery on their roof. One difference passengers will notice immediately is that hybrids accelerate more smoothly and are considerably quieter.
"Unless you watch the lights, you won't even know they're running," said Metro driver Ron Hensley.
An alternative to conventional diesel buses, hybrids are powered both by an electric motor and a diesel engine. By relying on electricity - generated by the engine and "regenerative braking" as the bus slows down or stops - for acceleration, hybrids use about 30 percent less fuel and reduce... http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090420/NEWS01/904210317
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Daimler_-_Orion_VII_Diesel_Electric_Hybrid.jpgBarry M. Horstman - Cincinati News (http://news.cincinnati.com) - April 20, 2009
Our future is worth the cost. --Ed.
One fringe benefit to using public transit is the knowledge that you're doing something good for the environment.
Starting this week, some of Metro's passengers will have even more reason for feeling that way when the bus company adds new low-emission, high fuel-efficiency hybrid buses to its fleet.
Timed to coincide with Earth Day on Wednesday, Metro's hybrid program will begin modestly, with six hybrids replacing older vehicles in the company's 388-bus fleet. Next year, federal stimulus money will enable Metro to buy 15 more hybrids.
The hybrids look like traditional buses, except for a large energy-saving battery on their roof. One difference passengers will notice immediately is that hybrids accelerate more smoothly and are considerably quieter.
"Unless you watch the lights, you won't even know they're running," said Metro driver Ron Hensley.
An alternative to conventional diesel buses, hybrids are powered both by an electric motor and a diesel engine. By relying on electricity - generated by the engine and "regenerative braking" as the bus slows down or stops - for acceleration, hybrids use about 30 percent less fuel and reduce... http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20090420/NEWS01/904210317