Madison Metro Transit unveiled the first five hybrid-electric public buses in the state of Wisconsin, two of which will become the new 80 and 85 buses on campus, at a news conference Wednesday.
The hybrid buses, which cost $200,000 more than regular diesel buses, promise 25 to 50 percent better fuel economy and 90 percent less hydrocarbon/carbon monoxide emissions.
Mayor Dave Cieslewicz introduced the buses as part of a citywide energy-saving plan.
[The buses] are part of a broader initiative we have in the city of Madison - our adherence to a process called the Natural Step, where we look to be more environmentally sound in everything we do,"" Cieslewicz said.
UW-Madison purchased two of the new buses for service on the campus 80 and 85 routes, and plans to have them on the roads in the next several weeks.
Chancellor John Wiley spoke at the event and said the hybrid buses coincide well with the university's energy goals.
""These buses, as an addition to the fleet overall, are very consistent with the university's Campus Master Plan and our master plan for environmental stewardship and energy conservation,"" he said.
The new campus buses were also configured for specific campus use with extra wide aisles, larger rear doors and seats that flip up to accommodate more standing passengers.
""The campus buses were designed for the unusual ridership we get, mainly passengers with big backpacks,"" Wiley said.
Lance Lunsway, director of transportation services for UW-Madison, said besides saving fuel and lowering emissions, the hybrid buses also offer reduced noise, smoother acceleration and better braking.
""[The hybrid buses] are huge savings for fuel, and the reduced emissions is pretty incredible,"" Lunsway said. ""They also work especially well on campus environments where there's a lot of starting and stopping.""
Lunsway said once the hybrid buses start service on the university routes, they would be closely monitored for their effectiveness for students.
In addition, students from the UW College of Engineering will help evaluate the buses' specific fuel economy.
""Across the nation, these buses are being very successful in reducing emissions and saving a lot of fuel,"" Lunsway said. ""Our goal from the university is to mix in hybrid or alternative fuel to all of our buses running on campus within the next five to 10 years.
