ElDorado National (California), or ENC, announced it is currently delivering thirty E-Z Rider II buses, equipped with hybrid electric powertrains, to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

The buses will be used for SFMTA's Municipal Railway (Muni) bus service, through ENC’s California-based dealer, Creative Bus Sales.

“We have been eagerly awaiting and are thrilled to receive these new 32-foot hybrid-electric buses to the streets of San Francisco,” said Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA director of transit. "These small but mighty buses will greatly improve service and reliability to our hilltop residents — making a big difference in dependability, sustainably and providing critical connections to major transit hubs.”

The fleet of thirty 32-foot E-Z Rider II buses feature electric-hybrid powertrains which utilize the Allison H 40 EP  system, reducing both diesel fuel consumption and CO2 emissions as compared to a conventional diesel transit bus. These midsize, low-floor buses have a short wheelbase. SFMTA will be putting their new fleet into service on operating routes that have up to a 21% grade. 

“Over the last 40 years, our company has been a leader in developing advanced solutions for the transportation industry,” said Jason Moore, VP/GM of ENC. “Our diverse range of alternative fuel options like the E-Z Rider II are ideal for large cities like San Francisco, which is why we are excited to begin this partnership with SFMTA and Muni.”