Lethbridge Transit now has a fleet of hybrid buses on the streets.
On Feb. 1, the city of Lethbridge unveiled the five hybrid buses purchased last year under the Alberta Government’s GreenTRIP program. Other cities that have a hybrid bus service include Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton.
Richard Reron, maintenance manager for Lethbridge Transit, says the hybrid buses will save money in the long run.
“We’re expecting a minimum of 15 per cent savings in fuel alone,” says Reron.
The new buses weigh 10 per cent less than the old models, and will contribute to the lower fuel costs.
Due to the new technology, each of the buses cost $620,000, which is $200,000 more than regular buses.
Reron also says that these buses will extend the brake life of the buses by 50 to 75 per cent because of their electric engines.
“When the buses slow down, it regenerates . . . taking power back and charging the batteries, but while it’s regenerating, it does a brake application,” he says.
From zero to 18 km the hybrid buses are powered solely by their electric batteries. After 18 km, the buses run on a blend of diesel fuel and electric batteries. The blend changes depending on where the bus is driving.
For example, Reron says when a hybrid bus goes up Whoop-Up Drive, the blend would likely be more diesel than electric.
In regards to whether the bus fleet will eventually become fully hybrid, Reron says with the five buses, they should be able to get a trial sample of how they run.
“After the trials, we’ll see how much we’re saving and go further.”
The buses began operating the evening of the unveiling and have been on the road since.
The hybrid buses will help lower greenhouse emissions up to 90 per cent.
In addition, they run smoother and quieter compared to their older counterparts.
Lethbridge Transit has 43 buses total. Any buses in the fleet that have operated for over 25 years will be phased out.
Each of the hybrid buses has a life-use expectancy of 18 years. Lethbridge Transit will receive five more hybrid buses in 2013.