New Gardena Municipal Bus Lines (GMBL) hybrid buses featuring innovative all-electric heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are increasing fuel efficiency by 8% and lowering operating costs while also providing 13,500 consistently comfortable rides on an average weekday.

The suburban Los Angeles area transit system operated by the City of Gardena is one of the few transit systems nationwide to feature all-electric HVAC systems on its 53 hybrid buses. Municipal leaders selected and installed the all-electric HVAC systems to reflect a city-wide commitment to increased sustainability, greater reliability and reduced energy and repair costs, as well as adhere to forthcoming California Air Resource Board regulations.

In recognition of GMBL’s commitment to operational and energy efficiency and sustainability, the city’s Transportation Department will receive the “Energy Efficiency Leader Award” this week from Thermo King, a manufacturer of temperature control systems for a variety of mobile applications, and a brand of Ingersoll Rand.

The first electrified HVAC units were installed in 2009 with all hybrid buses electrified as of 2010. The all-electric HVAC continues an ongoing commitment to sustainability. GMBL operations are housed in a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)-certified building, which was completed in 2009 on a former brownfield site. The construction resulted in the creation of new jobs and expansion of the previous Gardena bus line operations, including the addition of the new hybrid buses.