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| California’s First Diesel-Electric Hybrid Bus Entered San Francisco MTA Transit Service Today California’s First Diesel-Electric Hybrid Bus Entered San Francisco MTA Transit Service Today San Francisco, California (June 1, 2006) – Today, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency accepted the first of 56 Orion VII diesel electric hybrid low-floor buses from DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses North America. The vehicle represents California’s first series production diesel-electric hybrid bus in transit service. After the official roll-out in fall 2006, San Francisco will feature the third largest hybrid bus fleet in the country.  Photo: With 56 clean air Orion VII buses rolling out in the fall, the city will own third largest hybrid fleet in the United States The vehicle was welcomed into MUNI’s bus fleet during a commemorative ceremony in front of City Hall this morning. Mayor Gavin Newsom, Andreas Renschler, DaimlerChrysler Board member responsible for the Truck Group and Buses, MTA Executive Director and CEO Nathaniel Ford, and Jared Blumenfeld, San Francisco Director of the Environment, were all in attendance to greet the clean-air bus. “We are confident that adding these hybrid-electric buses to our fleet is a step in the right direction for our citizens’ health and our environment,” commented Mayor Newsom. “Many of our residents have already made the switch to hybrid vehicles, and it is time we follow suit.” The selection of new diesel-electric hybrid buses capped an effort that began with MUNI’s Alternative Fuel Pilot Program of 2001-2003. Thereafter, MUNI worked extensively with the California Air Resources Board to obtain changes in the regulations, unanimously adopted in 2004, that enabled the acquisition of these buses. “The MTA is proud to take the lead in bringing clean, reliable Hybrid buses to public transit riders in California.” said MTA Executive Director and CEO Nathaniel Ford. “This clean air bus will bring us one step closer to reaching the SFMTA goal of being emissions-free in San Francisco by 2020.” The Orion VII hybrid bus, which is powered by BAE Systems’ HybriDrive® series propulsion technology, is proven to reduce emissions and is significantly more fuel efficient. With more than 10 million miles logged in highly demanding urban cities such as New York and Toronto, the Orion VII hybrid bus has demonstrated in an independent study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to achieve 35 percent better fuel economy compared to conventional diesel buses. Additionally, the Orion VII greatly reduces emissions: up to 90 percent less particulate matter, 40 percent less oxides of nitrogen, and 30 percent fewer greenhouse gases. "DaimlerChrysler is proud that its Orion VII hybrid bus is to be part of San Francisco's push to reduce emissions," said Andreas Renschler, DaimlerChrysler Board member responsible for the Truck Group and Buses. "Environmental leadership is at the center of DaimlerChrysler’s business philosophy – and the Orion VII is just one example of our range of environmentally compatible solutions including hybrid, bio-diesel, fuel-cell, and compressed natural gas vehicles." The benefits extend to those driving and riding the buses as well. Drivers will enjoy faster acceleration while customers will experience a quieter, smoother ride free of the frequent transmission shifts encountered in conventional buses. The 35-seat low-floor buses allow for easier access for all riders and can accommodate up to two wheelchairs. After delivery of the full order, electric hybrid buses will comprise 11 percent of MUNI's fleet. In conjunction with the other hybrid buses, cable cars, and trolleys, MUNI will then feature an electric fleet of well over 50 percent. © 2003-2006 DaimlerChrysler. All rights reserved. Provider, Legal Notices and Terms, Privacy Statement  http://www.dcbusna.com Edited by Wolfgang 6/9/2006 12:40 PM | ||
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