Kentucky's Lextran unveils new hybrid, diesel Gillig buses

[IMAGE]MET8Biz-Lextran-2.jpg[/IMAGE]Lexington, Ky.-based transit authority Lextran unveiled the seven latest additions to its bus fleet. Two of the new buses from Gillig Corp. are 35-foot models featuring hybrid-electric technology. The remaining five Gillig vehicles are 29-foot models, with diesel engines that adhere to the 2010 Clean Air Act standards.

The new buses feature a redesigned logo as well as a new blue and green color scheme. Along with a new website revealed last week, this is the first of many steps toward rebranding the entire Lextran system, according to transit agency officials.

"We've taken a progressive step with the purchase of additional hybrid technology, and hope people see our new look as progressive, also," said Rocky Burke, Lextran GM. "We're fortunate to have had the opportunity to purchase new buses, including smaller vehicles that the community has requested many times. It just seemed like the perfect time to do some really innovative things."

The new buses were purchased with funds from a 2009 earmark from Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) in the amount of $2.945 million. Mixing smaller buses with larger buses, as well as hybrid and diesel technology, allows Lextran to maximize resources and diversify the fleet for efficiency.