AATA chooses Eco Bug’s new name

“I think that the new hybrid buses are a very good thing for the city and more places should be thinking of our ecosystem when planning for transit.”

AATA created the contest for the introduction of its 15 hybrid electric buses in October, the most recent milestone in its continuing effort to minimize negative impacts on the environment and cut operating costs.

Funding for the fifteen new buses came from a combination of federal and state grants obtained by AATA.

According to AATA Manager of Maintenance Terry Black, “AATA expects to use 67,600 gallons less diesel fuel, saving close to $2.5 million in fuel costs, over the 12-year life expectancy of the vehicles.”

Transit systems across the country have found that hybrid electric bus technology improves on-road performance, delivering 50 percent better acceleration than conventional diesel buses and reducing maintenance costs by 30 to 50 percent, Black said.

Because they burn much less fuel, the buses contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions believed to contribute to global warming.

“AATA’s new buses run cleaner and more quietly,” Black said, “and contribute to reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil. AATA plans to eventually convert its entire fleet to hybrid electric buses as its current buses reach the end of their life expectancy.”

In the months ahead, Scooter will represent AATA in promoting AATA’s hybrid electric buses and other efforts that AATA will make to reduce its impact on the environment and to encourage others to be more Earth-friendly.

The latest information on AATA routes, schedules and detours is available at 734.996.0400 and on the AATA Routes and Schedules page.