I was on TV news this week. For about 3 seconds. I spotted myself riding next to the window on a hybrid bus, taking a four mile trip around a big block from the Edison State campus past Kmart and back.
The Florida DOT is sponsoring “Hybrid Ride” a 31’ hybrid bus touring Florida counties on trial as a fuel efficiency model for para transit service. This week and next the bus is in Collier County where it will run the regular route from Naples to Immokolee as fuel mileage is monitored, then it will move on to show its stuff in another county.
Our tour guide asked if we riders could tell the change in the engine whine as the it switched from electric to diesel. No. I could not. I could not hear any whine, or maybe all I heard was whine. No matter, it sounded like a bus. The real point is that Hybrid Ride can improve fuel economy 25% to 60% and has reduced NOx emissions by 60% and 90% reduction in particulates.
After touring the state, Hybrid Ride will take its position in the Tallahassee fleet which is already recognized as a Florida Green Government by the Florida Green Building Coalition. Palm Beach County has purchased three hybrid buses, whether Collier will make that decision is still on trial. I'll be following the decision process. Glad I was able to catch a ride and thankful I'd chosen my green shirt for my 3 second TV appearance.
Para transit buses provide services for disadvantaged and special needs riders. Hybrid Ride had an elevator lift in the rear.
Hybrid Ride is a product of International Chassis and Eaton Electric Parallel Drive Hybrid System wth Lithium Ion Battery Pack.
