METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Azure Dynamics’ hybrid bus passes Altoona testing

Test qualifies Ford E-450 shuttle buses, built with the Balance Hybrid Electric drive train system, for FTA programs of up to 80 percent funding when purchased by public transit agencies.

January 29, 2009
1 min to read


Azure Dynamics Corp., a developer of hybrid-electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, announced that its Balance Hybrid Electric shuttle bus has been certified by Altoona testing, on the Ford E-450 chassis.

The successful completion of this test qualifies Ford E-450 shuttle buses, built with the Balance Hybrid Electric drive train system, for Federal Transit Authority (FTA) programs of up to 80 percent funding when purchased by public transit agencies across the U.S. In addition to FTA programs, the Balance Hybrid Electric may qualify for up to a $3,000 U.S. federal tax credit and/or numerous individual state and agency programs.

Ad Loading...

The Altoona test demonstrates, on an accelerated time frame, the ability of Azure's Balance Hybrid Electric system to withstand the rigors of operating in a demanding urban transit bus environment. 

The Azure G1Series-Hybrid HD Senator CitiBus shuttle bus had previously completed Altoona testing in 2007.

More Bus

Turning Transportation Challenges into Opportunities
Management•by Alex Roman•October 22, 2026

Brian Dickson on Building Stronger, More Resilient Transportation Organizations

Bus Business Consultants Founder Brian Dickson discusses the leadership principles, operational discipline, and strategic planning that separate transportation companies positioned for long-term success from those stuck in survival mode.

Read More →
Groundbreaking ceremony for LA Metro's Vermont Transit Corridor BRT
Bus•by Staff and News Reports•October 22, 2026

LA Metro Breaks Ground on Vermont BRT Project

The 12.4-mile corridor is projected to serve 66,200 daily riders, reduce travel times by up to 24%, and create the nation's busiest bus rapid transit corridor.

Read More →
ABC Companies President and CEO Roman Cornell
Bus•by Alex Roman•October 21, 2026

Roman Cornell on ABC Companies’ Evolution and the Future of Passenger Transportation

The company’s CEO discusses carrying forward a third-generation family legacy, ABC’s continued evolution in passenger transportation, support for increasingly complex fleets, and how technology and continued investment could help operators improve uptime.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
VIA Primo BRT bus riders
Bus•by Alex Roman•October 19, 2026

VIA Bus Ridership Grows 10.1% Through August 2026

San Antonio's VIA Metropolitan Transit reported the highest bus ridership growth among major Texas transit systems. Federal Transit Administration data ranked it second among the nation's 50 largest transit systems.

Read More →
Crowd waiting for LA Metro bus
Management•by Staff and News Reports•October 16, 2026

LA Metro September Ridership Climbs 3.9%, Led by Rail Growth

The agency recorded more than 27.2 million boardings, with rail ridership increasing 12.4% year over year and the D Line posting the largest gains.

Read More →
The Frontrunner XF on the APTA Expo show floor in 2026.
Paratransit•by Alex Roman•October 15, 2026

Frontrunner Bus Group Introduces XF Low-Floor Bus with Enhanced Accessibility

The new mid-sized bus features a full flat-floor design, eight-inch curbside step-in height, and zero-entry rear ramp to improve passenger access and operational flexibility.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
An overhead view of APTA EXPO's show floor.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 9, 2026

Scenes from APTA TRANSform & EXPO 2026

Transit leaders, manufacturers, and industry professionals gathered in Chicago to explore new technologies, share ideas, and discuss the future of public transportation.

Read More →
DRPA interns with program swag.
Management•by Alex Roman•October 1, 2026

More Than a Summer Job: Building the Next Generation of Transit Talent

The Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO have transformed their internship program into a hands-on professional development experience that introduces students to the breadth of transportation careers — and creates a pipeline for future employees.

Read More →
A shot of ENC's manufacturing facility
Zero Emissions•by Alex Roman•September 30, 2026

LA Metro Board Awards 220 Battery-Electric Bus Contract to ENC

The contract, which is the largest base award of battery-electric buses by a U.S. transit agency, will be built in Southern California, sustaining good jobs as LA prepares to welcome the world in 2028

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Help Shape the 2027 Public Transit Conference
Management•by Alex Roman•September 29, 2026

Public Transit Conference Returning to GFX in 2027, Call for Papers Now Open

The Call for Papers is now open, allowing transit agency professionals and industry experts to help shape the PTC educational program by submitting session ideas for consideration.

Read More →