PennDOT Inks Deal To Put Ten Hybrid Buses On The Road In 2008

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has placed an order for ten hybrid buses. The gas-electric hybrids seat 18 passengers each and will take delivery of the vehicles in 2008. PennDOT has an option to purchase an additional 15 buses.

The Aztec/StarTrans Citibus offers a 40% increase in fuel efficiency and a 30% reduction in carbon emissions. The CitiBus uses stop-start technology, which cuts the engine when the vehicle is idling, and features regenerative braking technologies that recharge the vehicle batteries by recapturing energy from the vehicle when the brakes are applied. Air conditioning, power steering and braking are all still supported while the engine is off at idle.

As an added benefit, the hybrid power train also reduces engine maintenance by 25 percent and brake maintenance by 75%. Overall maintenance costs can be reduced by as much as 30%. The CitiBus has passed its 200,000 mile test regimen, and qualifies for federal funding programs.

The first ten buses will operate in York County, PA and will be used to augment PennDOT's ride-share program. PennDOT has not indicated where the other 15 buses will be deployed, should it exercise its option to buy them.

Source and Photo: Azure Dynamics