The increasing focus on cleaner mass transit systems will drive particularly strong growth in adoption of hybrid-electric and natural gas buses, as an alternative to traditional diesel buses, over the next several years, according to a new report.

The report, produced by cleantech market intelligence firm Pike Research, forecasts that worldwide deliveries of hybrid buses will nearly triple from 5,514 vehicles in 2010 to 16,328 units in 2016. During the same period, natural gas bus deliveries will increase 61 percent to 15,937 vehicles.

Fuel cell buses, while still rare and expensive, are likely to see some modest increases as well, with deliveries expected to reach 1,083 vehicles in 2016. Pike Research also anticipates moderate compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) of between 1 percent and 2 percent in bus rapid transit (BRT) vehicles and light rail, rapid transit, and commuter rail systems.

Pike Research's study, "Clean Mass Transit", examines the opportunities and challenges within the mass transit vehicle market. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of mass transit vehicles, including diesel technology, hybrid battery technology, rail electrification, regenerative braking, government emissions regulations, emerging markets and key drivers of market growth.

The report includes forecasts through 2016 for transit buses, alternative fuel buses, BRT, light rail, rapid transit and commuter rail by world region. Key market players are also profiled.

An Executive Summary of the report is available for free download, here.