Detroit’s SMART adds 3 hybrid buses to fleet
Agency used ARRA funds to purchase the buses. Manufactured by Gillig, the hybrid-electric vehicles are 40 percent more fuel efficient.


Detroit’s Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) unveiled three new Gillig hybrid electric buses, which will help the agency serve the region responsibly and eco-consciously.
The buses are 40 percent more fuel efficient, and more money will be saved by the lower maintenance costs of hybrid buses, because they have fewer parts.
SMART continues its greening efforts by recycling 600 tires, 600 gallons of anti-freeze and 28,890 gallons of oil. Emission systems at each of the agency’s garages have been updated to capture fumes from buses being served. SMART facilities have also been updated, including new high-efficiency replacement lighting at all the terminals.
SMART first released two hybrid articulated buses in 2009. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding allowed SMART to purchase the buses.
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