Stimulus Funds for Diesel-Electric Hybrid Buses

Chicago and Albany will soon be getting hybrid buses, courtesy of the Stimulus package.

Chicago is receiving another $3.5 million in funds to help purchase 20 diesel hybrid buses. The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, N.Y. had already received $2 million back in May. The overall cost is expected to reach $10.6 million.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) received and have already placed in service 58 hybrid buses. That brings their total up to 208 'articulated hybrid buses' in their fleet. $50 million (out of a total of $241 million in stimulus money) was used to buy the buses.

The CTA expects to save over $7 million in parts, labor and fuel from their hybrid buses.

According to the press release, the 60 foot buses can transport 125 riders and are 30 percent more fuel efficient and emit 60 percent fewer emissions. They are also replacing smaller buses, which could only transport 80 riders.

The buses can be plugged in overnight to keep the batteries charged. The batteries also keep the auxiliary heater running, eliminating the need to idle buses for startup.