[IMAGE]Cttransit-2011-hybrid-2.jpg[/IMAGE] The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is adding to the growing list of "green" buses in its CTTRANSIT fleet with the pending addition of 31 hybrid-electric buses to the New Haven and Waterbury Divisions.

The New Haven Division will receive 14 40-foot hybrids, with 17 35-foot hybrids going to the Waterbury Division to help upgrade its 15-year old fleet. The 40-foot hybrid buses will seat 38 passengers, while the 35-foot buses will seat 30. All of these buses will be operational by the end of April, 2011.

These hybrid buses are powered by a combination of an internal combustion clean diesel engine paired with a generator, electric storage system and an electric motor. New state-of-the-art small and lightweight lithium-ion batteries provide an extended range for the bus.

The hybrids' new, smaller engine meets the new 2010 near-zero emissions requirement. The hybrid bus design provides for a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to a standard new clean diesel bus. In addition, the buses feature all LED lighting inside and out, replacing fluorescent lights. These lights are more energy efficient and are better for the environment.

The exterior features more windows for passengers, including a back window, and significant upgrades in noise reduction. Passengers can expect a quieter ride inside and out.

Each hybrid bus costs approximately $560,000 while the diesel buses cost approximately $376,000. They were purchased by the Connecticut Department of Transportation using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds. CTTRANSIT is the first transit system in the U.S. to receive this new model of bus from New Flyer Inc.

With the addition of these buses, CTTRANSIT now operates 33 diesel-electric hybrid buses and five hydrogen fuel cell-powered buses.

To read about CTTRANSIT's addition of 60-foot articulated buses to the fleet, click here.