CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: January 10, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

CTTRANSIT Hartford Division Begins Operating Hybrid-Electric 60-foot Articulated Buses

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), CTTRANSIT and the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection today introduced a larger and “greener” bus to operate in greater Hartford. Similar to buses already operating in the New Haven and Stamford metro areas, the 10 new buses have increased passenger seating and use hybrid-electric technology. They are also “articulated,” which means they have an accordion-like middle section that enables them to bend as they turn corners.

“Today, Connecticut takes another important step in serving customers and promoting public transportation,” said DOT Commissioner James P. Redeker at CTTransit headquarters in Hartford where the new buses were unveiled. “In keeping with our commitment to reducing emissions and maintaining a green environment, these buses are among the cleanest and quietest buses in the world. With the addition of these buses, CTTRANSIT now operates nearly 50 diesel-electric hybrid buses and five hydrogen fuel cell powered buses.”

Commissioner Redeker was joined by Daniel C. Esty, Commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, who applauded the new vehicles and the fact that they meet the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s 2010 near-zero emissions requirements.

“DEEP and DOT are working together to create a  21st century transportation network that is a key to rebuilding Connecticut’s economy, creating jobs, and making our state an attractive place to live and work,” said DEEP Commissioner Daniel C. Esty.  “The type of larger-capacity, low-emission bus being deployed here today will help us accomplish those goals – while protecting our air quality and the environment.”

The hybrid buses are powered by a combination of an internal combustion clean diesel engine paired with a generator, electric storage system and an electric motor. New state-of-the-art small and lightweight lithium-ion batteries provide an extended range for the bus. The hybrid bus design provides for a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to a standard new clean diesel bus.

The articulated buses will operate on routes along Albany Avenue, Burnside Avenue, Farmington Avenue, New Britain Avenue and Park Street.  The routes operating in these corridors were selected due to their high level of ridership. The buses can seat up to 57 passengers with space for an additional 55 standing passengers, for a total capacity of 112 passengers.

The accordion-like middle section enables them to turn around corners just like a regular 40-foot city transit bus and gives the buses their British nickname, "bendy buses."

The 60-foot articulated hybrid-electric buses cost $813,100 each. This cost is 100 percent federally funded with dollars from Transportation Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction Grant, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Grant and Section 5307 Urbanized Area Formula Grant. They are manufactured by NOVA Bus of Plattsburgh, New York.