Gillig receives order for 157 GM-hybrid buses

Gillig Corp. received an order for the purchase of up to 157 diesel-electric hybrid buses from a consortium consisting of 11 transit agencies in California, Nevada and New Mexico. The hybrid buses are powered by General Motors' (GM) advanced hybrid propulsion system. Benefits of the GM system include up to 90% emissions reduction and reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake, engine oil and transmission oil life. The purchase contract, spearheaded by the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD) in California, is the second largest since GM's hybrid system debuted in 2003. SJRTD plans on buying 50 hybrid buses, while the remaining 107 buses will be available for other consortium members.