Six new hybrid buses grace Eden Park

Cincinnati Metro is going green.

To prove its commitment to greening things up, its first fleet of hybrid buses – six of them – were put into service on Earth Day, April 22.

In an effort to show them around on the day prior to use, the six hybrids made a jaunt from Eden Park – where they will run – into downtown, displaying a new "go*GREEN" design.

These buses will replace a fleet of older buses now past their prime while significantly curbing the harmful emissions associated with diesel. To be precise, hybrid buses use an electric motor and a diesel engine.  The engine and braking action generate electricity as the bus slows down or stops. This equates to a 95% decrease in particulate (soot), 90% reduction in hydrocarbons and 50% drop in nitrogen oxide (NOx) output.

Hybrids also offer quieter, smoother rides for passengers.  And with a 30% decrease in fuel use – three thousand gallons of diesel annually per bus – this equates to significant savings. "Tomorrow, on Earth Day, Metro will officially put these six, beautiful new hybrid buses into service," says Metro CEO Marilyn Shazor.  "For a tax-supported transit system like ours, it’s about being green and saving green at the same time."

This fleet of hybrid buses was just one aspect of Cincinnati's Earth Day festivities. Upon arriving downtown after the journey from Eden Park, fashion models wearing environmentally-friendly digs exited one of the buses at Fountain Square and walked down a flower carpet runway created by Cincinnati graphic designer, Joel Knueven.

In addition to the bus parade and eco fashion show, six trees were also dedicated by Cincinnati Parks to form a grove in Eden Park.  These six trees, which are dedicated to the students of six
Cincinnati Public elementary schools, commemorate the six buses. 

"We are proud that our new hybrid buses support the critical environmental goals of the region," said Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority board chair Melody Sawyer Richardson. "Goals are important, but we should take a minute to remember why those goals exist: we want to build a greener, healthier future for our children and their children."

The financing for these buses came from a combination of federal and matching local funds.  More buses have been ordered and are expected to be operational in 2010.

Writer:  Jonathan DeHart
Source:  Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority