Just in time for Long Beach Earth Week, Long Beach Transit debut twenty-five hybrid gasoline-electric buses-totally half of their entire fleet- today on downtown’s First Street Promenade. With a modern design the buses are distinctly European-influenced, brightly painted red, black and gold.
The new buses will greatly improve air quality, producing a 96% reduction of harmful hydrocarbons and 95% reduction of Nitrogen Oxide. Running on pure electric, the new fleet uses a minimal amount of gasoline for the service lights.
“We are the only city in California, actually the Nation with this type of bus hybrid technology,” said Larry Jackson, President and CEO of Long Beach Transit.
During the inaugural ride the new hybrid bus was distinctly smoother and quieter. The interior was noticeably brighter, with seat fabric designed to match the exterior of the bus. “Hybrid is the cleanest technology available with less emissions of any 40-foot coach available on the market,” according to Jackson.
Each bus cost more than $500,000 but was funded mostly through federal grants. Long Beach has proposed to pick up the other 25% through varies funds. Bus fare will continue to stay at the same rate of $1.10 per round trip.
“This further demonstrates Long Beach Transit’s long-term commitment to the environment,” according to Marcelle Epley, Marketing Manger for Long Beach Transit.
The new busses will be deployed throughout Long Beach Transit’s 98-mile service area on April 27, areas include; Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Artesia, Bellflower, Carson, Cerritos, Compton, Hawaiian Gardens, Norwalk, Paramount, and Seal Beach. Other bus and shuttle services include the Passport, AquaBus and AquaLink. Long Beach Transit serves over 28 million bus-riders a year.
The hybrid technology manufacture I.S.E Corporation is based in San Diego, which has provided the same hybrid electric drive system found in the current buses. The buses used for Long Beach Transit are assembled in Crookston, Minnesota by New Flyer Industries and are responsible for the buses new exterior.
Mayor Bob Foster speaks with a hybrid bus behind him. Photo by Ricklyn Hukriede
Ricklyn Hukriede is a contributing news reporter and current journalism student at Long Beach City College.
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