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Hybrid Buses On The Way To Long Beach California January 2005Long Beach Transit is cleaning up its act.Next month, the first hybrid gasoline-electric bus will roll into town for testing and training purposes. Once approved, it will join the city fleet, with another 26 hybrids expected to be in service by July. The hybrid buses allow LBT to conform to environmental standards set by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). Those regulations require all city fleets to gradually shift toward low-emission and clean-burning vehicles. The hybrids use technology similar to that found in popular hybrid passenger cars like the Toyota Prius, according to James Ditch, LBT executive director of maintenance. The buses run on a combination of power from a gasoline engine and an ultracapacitor, which is like a battery, and is located on the roof. Inside, the new buses will be identical to the current ones. The only difference passengers likely will notice will be a quieter ride, Ditch said. They'll hear the air conditioning fans inside before they hear the engine noise, he said. Its a pretty quiet coach. The hybrid buses cost about $750,000 each. Federal grants will account for about 80% of the cost of the new vehicles, Ditch said. While the sticker price may seem high, Ditch said he expects the hybrids to save money over their diesel counterparts in terms of fuel efficiency and service. The diesel buses get about 3.5 miles per gallon, while the hybrids should get close to 5. And without transmissions to break down, the hybrids could be cheaper to maintain, he added. Federal law requires that all new buses, including the hybrids, be dispersed evenly throughout the city. They will be operated out of the LBT facility on Anaheim Street and Cherry Avenue, where they will not require any special care. The driver goes out, turns it on and up she starts, Ditch said. Canadian firm New Flyer is supplying the hybrid buses, which are being built at one of its plants in Minnesota. In addition to the new buses, LBT has several other improvements planned for this coming year. A new information center at First Street and Pine Avenue will replace the current one and eight automated information kiosks will be added to the downtown transit mall area. Electronic fare boxes accepting refillable smart cards will be added to some LBT vehicles, as will security cameras. SOURCE: Gazettes.com | ||
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