Feb. 3, 2010
Spokane Clean Air Helps Spokane Transit Buy Hybrid Bus
One of the ten new hybrid buses arriving at Spokane Transit this week may appear even "greener" than the rest, thanks to funding provided by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency (Spokane Clean Air).
Approximately $200,000 from a state grant to reduce diesel emissions secured by Spokane Clean Air covered the difference in price between a standard 40 foot diesel bus and a hybrid (diesel electric). In acknowledgement of their contribution, the agency's logo is displayed on the bus with the phrase, This bus hybrid-ized by Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency.
A hybrid bus gets approximately 30% more miles per gallon than even the newest diesel vehicle in Spokane Transit’s fleet. Over its 15 year service life, a hybrid bus will also conserve about 33,000 gallons of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by 365 tons.
"We support Spokane Transit's efforts to add hybrid coaches to their fleet," said Bill Dameworth, Spokane Clean Air Director. "Today's hybrid bus technology combines the fuel savings of the hybrid and the new, cleaner diesel fuel. Cleaner buses mean cleaner air for all of us to breathe," Dameworth added.
"The operational cost savings and environmental benefits of hybrid technology are well documented," said Susan Meyer, Spokane Transit CEO. "We are grateful to Spokane Clean Air for making it possible to bring another hybrid to the community.”
The funding from Spokane Regional Clean Air came from a state grant awarded to retrofit school buses. Since 2003, 282 buses serving 11 school districts have been retrofitted to reduce emissions. Retrofits have reduced emissions 50-70% depending on the bus and technology used in the retrofit. All eligible school buses in the county have been upgraded, and Spokane Clean Air had the ability to disburse the remaining funds for other efforts that reduce transportation-related emissions.
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