Oct. 21, 2008
Hybrid Buses Coming to Kanawha Valley
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
Charleston, WV (HNN) -- The Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority (KVRTA) and the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) have partnered to bring two hybrid transit buses to West Virginia.
The project will be the first of its kind in the state. The DEP’s Division of Air Quality secured federal monies through the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act, which will help offset the approximately $200,000 cost difference between a conventional diesel transit bus and a hybrid bus that couples a diesel-fueled engine with and electric motor.
“We are really excited to be working with the KVRTA folks on this project that helps further the missions of both our agencies,” said John Benedict, director of the WVDEP-DAQ.
Many large metropolitan areas have used hybrid diesel- electric buses since the late 1990's, and their use is increasing as the technology improves. “The timing is right to bring this fuel and cost-saving technology to West Virginia,” said Denny Dawson, general manager of KVRTA.
The hybrid diesel-electric buses are more fuel efficient and, therefore, emit less air pollution than conventional diesel buses. A shorter pay-back period for these buses, as well as greater energy independence, makes this project both economically and environmentally beneficial.
The reduction of diesel exhaust emissions from this project will also help reduce air toxics along local bus routes, which are typically in more populated areas in Kanawha County and surrounding areas. The cost savings from hybrid diesel-electric transit buses are realized on local routes where running speeds are less than 30 miles per hour. Hybrid diesel-electric buses are quieter than conventional diesel buses as well.
The KVRTA Board of Members approved this purchase at its October 16 meeting. The buses should arrive in September 2009.
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