HARTline receives $1.2 million for hybrid buses

The Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HARTline) in Tampa, Fla., received a $1.2 million federal grant, which will be used to buy two hybrid-electric buses. The two 40-foot buses will replace diesel buses that have met their useful life. The hybrid-electric buses have propulsion systems that are powered by both a small diesel engine and electric motors, increasing fuel efficiency by 20% and reducing emissions. The grant will also be used to purchase intelligent transportation systems equipment, which will be used to automatically locate vehicles, provide signal priority and display real time bus arrival information.