Ann Arbor, Michigan is well on the way to revamping its entire fleet of buses to hybrid models. The Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) has just introduced 15 hybrids into the fleet, giving the city the highest ratio of hybrid buses in the Midwest. Plans are to replace the entire lineup of 69 buses with hybrid models within three years.

The new buses utilize regenerative braking technology similar to hybrid automobiles like the Toyota Prius. With this system, the energy created by braking is stored as power rather than dissipated as heat and wasted. The stop-and-go nature of city buses means significant energy savings via regenerative braking. All told, the new models are 30% more fuel efficient than their conventional diesel equivalents.

 

The price jump for the new buses is significant: from $390,000 to $550,000. However, AATA maintenance manager Terry Black estimates a $ 2,500,000 savings in fuel and maintenance costs over 12 years. Dramatically reduced pollution is another huge benefit from the transition.

 

Public transportation is already a super-green endeavor. By making the machines even more clean, efficient, and quiet, we’re making our cities (and planet) more livable.

 

Via our friends at EcoGeek