The Rochester-Genessee Regional Transportation Authority (RGRTA) was awarded a $1.3 million grant to finance an upgrade of five new buses from conventional diesel to hybrid diesel-electric propulsion. The funding will be received from The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority -- a public benefit corporation funding research on energy supply and efficiency, as well as energy related environmental issues. Diesel-electric propulsion buses achieve significantly lower emissions, higher fuel economy, reduced brake maintenance and better acceleration than a convention diesel powered vehicle. The grant covers up to $250,000 per bus to upgrade from conventional diesel to the hybrid technology. It also allows for modifications to garage facilities to accommodate the new vehicles. RGRTA plans to purchase five new buses by the end of this year to be delivered in 2005. "Upgrading our fleet with hybrid buses will allow RGRTA to operate with state-of-the-art equipment offering efficiencies in fuel and maintenance costs," said Donald J. Riley, CEO of RGRTA.