Palm Tran Rolls Out New Hybrid Buses

For immediate release: March 3, 2009
Contact: Jessica Dumars, 561-841-4245 Senior Public Relations Specialist

	Palm Tran Hybrid Bus

In keeping with its dedication to environmental friendliness, Palm Tran, Palm Beach County’s public transportation agency, has purchased three hybrid buses. The purchase was funded through a grant from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) for the Martin County Express Route, slated to begin service this summer. The new hybrids are similar in body style to Palm Tran’s existing BRT buses, with the attractive rolling wave design and rounded edges.

Passengers may experience a smoother ride in a hybrid bus, in addition to decreased noise. The seats have higher backs and more leg room for passenger comfort, and the continuous domed interior lighting system is less harsh than the fluorescent lighting found in most transit buses.

The diesel-electric hybrid buses are expected to be more fuel efficient than traditional diesel transit buses. This improved fuel efficiency should make the hybrids less expensive to operate. Introducing these three hybrid vehicles into the fleet now will allow Palm Tran to test the technology prior to making further investments.

Palm Tran’s new hybrid buses are in line with the company’s focus on green operations. In 2008, Palm Tran implemented the use of bio-diesel fuel among other programs.