N.Y. county welcomes hybrid bus into fleet

The Westchester County (N.Y.) Department of Transportation on Monday launched its first hybrid diesel-electric bus on its Bee-Line system. U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Rep. Nita Lowey and County Executive Andy Spano were among the officials who welcomed the four Orion VII hybrid buses produced by DaimlerChrysler Commercial Buses. “The Bee-Line system is going green,” Spano said. “These new vehicles are the result of the county’s strong commitment to clean air and a major step forward in bus technology.” “With gas prices continuing to exceed record high levels, it is a significant step for Westchester County to ease off the dependence of foreign oil and to utilize new technologies that increase fuel efficiency,” Clinton added. The Orion VII diesel-electric hybrid bus greatly reduces emissions with up to 90% less particulate matter, 40% less NOx and 25% less greenhouse gas emissions. The bus can also provide a 30 percent increase in fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs.