New Flyer taps BAE propulsion for Calif. artics

New Flyer Industries selected BAE Systems’ HybriDrive propulsion system to power a fleet of new 60-foot, low-floor rapid transit buses for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) in San Jose, Calif.

New Flyer will provide up to 29 articulated hybrid buses for the transit agency, with an option for up to 20 additional buses at a later date.

“Santa Clara’s new articulated buses will be equipped with our HDS300 system,” said Steve Trichka, VP/GM, HybriDrive Solutions, at BAE Systems. “The HDS300 system is derived from the same product line that powers 40-foot buses, so transit authorities can now benefit from the commonality of HybriDrive propulsion systems across all types of hybrid vehicles in their fleets.”

The HDS300 articulated bus solution, which powers 60-foot transit buses, is the newest addition to the HybriDrive Solutions product line. The HybriDrive family of products also includes the HDS100 European lightweight bus model and the HDS200 for 30- to 40-foot North American bus fleets.

Allowing transit authorities the commonality of using HybriDrive propulsion systems across all the buses in their fleets will reduce inventory and maintenance costs, providing more options for customers. For additional fuel and maintenance savings, the HybriDrive family of propulsion systems enables all bus accessories, such as air conditioning, power steering and more to run electrically.

The development and production of these hybrid propulsion systems will be conducted at BAE Systems’ Endicott, N.Y. facility, with the first delivery scheduled for 2014.