Hybrid buses saving energy already

If everyone rode on Bloomington Transit's two new hybrid buses, then it would be "awesome," said IU graduate student Sarah Combellick-Bidney, who is happy with Bloomington Transit's move for a safer environment.\nThis week, Bloomington Transit unveiled two hybrid buses.\n"It's a step in the right direction and now all we need is for more people to ride (them)," Combellick-Bidney said. "Buses get you where you want to go without the hassle of parking." \nThe new buses, which are cleaner and quieter than the old diesel buses, and sport new colors for Bloomington Transit along with a fresh new smell, are expected to gain 20 to 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, said Lew May, Bloomington Transit General Manager.\n"It's a significant gain, efficient in using fuel because we're using less," May said. "And calculating the bus life, buses last typically 12 years, net that and we have 20,000 gallons of fuel saved for each bus over the life."\nIn addition, the buses give off lower emissions, the hybrid technology produce up to 60 percent fewer oxides of nitrogen emissions and 90 percent fewer particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions, May said.\nWhat this means is the buses are cleaner than the older buses that use regular diesel.\n"It will help clean the air in Bloomington and we are excited for that," May said.\nThe buses are also quieter than the regular diesel with the noise generated being equivalent to that of a car.\nMay said the buses save fuel by recycling energy.\n"There is a regenerative braking function," May said. "When the driver brakes, the bus energy is recaptured and converted into electricity to charge the batteries. The brake life is longer for vehicles."\nWith a longer life for the transmission fluid and engine oil, maintenance costs will be reduced. \n"The other neat thing about these vehicles is the introduction of our new fleet colors," May said.\nAfter going through a public process for the past year, the buses were redesigned with new colors. The new buses are white with several shades of green designs that are supposed to emulate the hills of Bloomington.\nThe buses are also low-floor buses, with a single step from the sidewalk to the seats rather than three steps, making it a lot easier to get on and off.\n"These buses have been out for two straight days and the drivers have great things to say -- they like the way they drive and handle." May said. "Everything's a lot better, it's exciting because it will be a good thing"