Red, Blue and Green All Over:
SEPTA Board Approves
Purchase of Hybrid Bus Fleet
Purchase of 400 Hybrid Buses Over Four Years will Give SEPTA One of the Largest Hybrid Bus Fleets in Nation, Significantly Reducing Emissions
|
 |
September 27, 2007
PHILADELPHIA – September 27, 2007 – At its regular monthly meeting the SEPTA Board today approved the purchase of 400 new diesel-electric hybrid 40-foot low floor buses from New Flyer of America, Inc. for a contract price of $212,387,236.00. Adding the 400 new buses to the 32 diesel-electric hybrid buses already in the Authority’s fleet will make SEPTA the operator of one of the largest public transit hybrid bus fleets in the country. It will also mark a significant step in SEPTA’s efforts to build and maintain one of the greenest, most energy-efficient large-city public transportation systems in the nation.
The purchase requires delivery of 100 buses per year for each of the calendar years of 2008 through 2011. In addition, an option order can be placed for 20 additional buses per year for a possible total order of 480 buses, increasing the total contract price for the purchase to $253,604,276.00. The first pilot bus is scheduled for delivery in March 2008 and the first production bus in July 2008. SEPTA will introduce the new hybrid buses into its bus fleet as the agency retires existing buses that have reached their twelve-year life cycle.
The hybrid buses are powered by an advanced parallel hybrid-electric power train using an electric battery system and traditional diesel power. The electrical and diesel systems work together to conserve energy during various functions, including starts and braking. By using the conserved energy to recharge the battery the bus uses less fuel and the power train is designed to significantly reduce various fuel emissions.
“Public transit is already the greenest option available for daily riders traveling to work, school and recreational activities as our services provide them with the opportunity to reach their destinations and leave their cars at home. The hybrid-diesel buses allow us to be even more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious,” said SEPTA General Manager Faye Moore.
Operating hybrid buses enables SEPTA to significantly reduce engine exhaust emissions and increase fuel economy. Hybrid buses on average are 29% more fuel efficient than normal diesel buses and can reduce carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide emissions by 80% and 38% respectively. In addition, the new hybrid-diesel buses will feature easier “one step” boarding and an Automatic Stop Annunciator System with interior and exterior speakers. Each has capacity for two wheelchairs and comes equipped with a front door wheelchair ramp for easy boarding and alighting. Passenger amenities include exterior bike racks, non-glare fluorescent lighting, and cloth-upholstered stainless steel seating. The buses are also fully climate controlled.
For additional information contact SEPTA Customer Service at (215) 580-7800.
  |
