Metro adds five new mini-hybrids in celebration of Earth Day

Metro will celebrate Earth Day by adding five new mini-hybrids to its 365-bus fleet, bringing the mini-hybrid total to 115 along with 27 traditional hybrid vehicles also in service.
 
Despite the name, mini-hybrids aren’t actually miniature in size. Rather, they’re equipped with advanced thermal cooling systems that allow for a cost savings of about $240,000 per bus as compared to traditional hybrid vehicles.
 
With reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved fuel economy, Metro — a member organization of Green Umbrella — is doing its part to “meet the environmental, social and economic needs of today while preserving the ability of future generations to do the same” with the addition of more mini-hybrids.
 
In addition to the new vehicles that begin serving riders Wednesday, April 22, Metro will celebrate Mother Nature by participating in a variety of Earth Day events around the city, encouraging community members to learn more about going green.
 
“Metro is a member of the community, and we take our environmental responsibility seriously,” Metro CEO Dwight Ferrell says.
 
By using rainwater to wash buses and burning waste oil to heat garages, the public transit system is modeling a standard for what green living can look like. Similarly, by educating community members on hybrid technology and the reduced impact it has on our environment, Metro hopes to encourage more individuals to do their part as well.
 
“We’re proud to promote green practices both in our facilities and with our bus fleet,” Ferrell says. “To be able to provide the community with an environmentally responsible way to travel throughout Cincinnati benefits us all.”

Do Good: 

• Visit Metro and learn about mini-hybrid technology and going green at local Earth Day events. You can celebrate at The Christ Hospital 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday April 21, at Horseshoe Casino 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesday April 22 or at Cincinnati State Technical & Community College’s Earth Jam 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Thursday April 23.

• Connect with Metro on Facebook.

• Promote “green” practices in your own lifestyle.