Passenger Bus, Rail and Motorcoach Industry News

The 12-month status report includes data collected from 18 fuel-cell electric buses at three transit agencies; Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, Connecticut Transit and SunLine Transit Agency.

The hybrid-electric propulsion system saves an additional 10-20 percent on fuel for bus fleets, which doesn’t include the other 10 percent in fuel savings made possible through a new idling function.

Setting annual sustainability targets is part of the agency's voluntary compliance with rigorous international standards for environmental management systems.

The grant's focus combines company's existing lightweight chassis and robust, mature hybrid-drive train system with an advanced Ballard fuel cell, further chassis mass improvement research and next generation component development.

The patented and proprietary designs for hybrid and all-electric buses significantly reduce emissions and provide lower total life-cycle operational costs, according to the company.

Others present included Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Transportation Secretary Raymond LaHood; Education Secretary Arne Duncan; Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan; Agriculture Secretary Kenneth Vilsack, and former U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale.

Securing the contract with Winnipeg assembly plant workers is a key milestone, enabling MCI to continue its plan to successfully emerge from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection, which it plans on exiting in late March, according to the company.

The Volvo 7700 Hybrid’s lower fuel consumption reduces the emission of the greenhouse gas CO2 by up to 30 percent.