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Test Concludes Hybrid Busses More Efficient January 2005Officials with Connecticut Transit say an 18-month demonstration has found that hybrid-electric diesel buses are very efficient.The two hybrids increased fuel economy and were more reliable than standard diesel buses, according to preliminary results. CT Transit is the state-owned bus transit system serving the greater Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, New Britain, Meriden, Bristol and Wallingford areas. The hybrid buses scored 10 percent better on fuel economy than the newest diesel buses, and were 30 percent to 35 percent more efficient than the existing fleet, according to Stephen Warren, assistant general manager for maintenance service for CT Transit. CT Transit is awaiting the results of emissions tests. The buses were expected to reduce emissions by about 20 percent, but the company won't know for a few months, Warren said. "They were much more reliable than our diesel buses in virtually every category, which was a surprise," he said. "The drivers also thought they had better acceleration." In June 2003, the state received two hybrid buses, designed by New Flyer Bus Co., as part of a 10-city demonstration. They were tested in Hartford before they were sent last summer to Stamford, where they will stay. The hybrids cost more. At $500,000 each, they are about $225,000 more than a diesel bus. | ||
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