Governor O'Malley Unveils MTA Electric Hybrid Bus at 2009 Auto Show

Press Release

Governor O'Malley Unveils MTA Electric Hybrid Bus at 2009 Auto Show

Smart, Green, and Growing Public Transit Leads the Way

Governor Martin O'Malley today unveiled the first of thirty new hybrid diesel electric buses that the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) which will hit the streets of Maryland this spring. Today's announcement represents the O'Malley-Brown Administration's continued commitment toward a smart, green and growing State, and comes just months after Governor O'Malley committed to converting Maryland's entire MTA bus fleet to hybrids within a decade. The debut of the 60-foot hybrid bus took place on the exhibition floor at the 2009 Motor Trend International Auto Show at the Convention Center in downtown Baltimore.

"This bus represents the future of sustainable transportation," remarked Governor O'Malley. "It is part of a multi-year transition to a fleet where the buses that serve the Baltimore region will be cleaner, quieter, more fuel efficient and more reliable. Thanks to President Obama and a Congress that understands the dire need to invest in our green infrastructure, this first batch of 30 buses represents a mere down payment on a long-term commitment to sustainable transportation in Maryland."

In July 2008, Governor O'Malley announced that the MTA would purchase only diesel electric hybrid buses in the future as the agency replaces older models that are retired from service. Up to 600 hybrid-electric buses will be part of MTA's fleet by 2014.

In tests comparing hybrid buses to diesel models, the hybrids have used 20 percent less fuel and have been up to 50 percent quieter. Hybrids have proved to be twice as reliable as diesels, with hybrids logging 6,200 miles between service calls, compared to every 3,300 miles for diesel models, thus saving Maryland taxpayers money in vehicle service and fuel. The new hybrids will feature ergonomic passenger seating, an advanced video surveillance system, wider exit doors, LED lighting, and tip-in windows for improved circulation and passenger safety. The first of these new hybrid buses will be on the street within the next few weeks.

Last month, Governor O'Malley and the Board of Public Works announced approval of a contract to purchase another 100 hybrid buses. The 40-foot hybrids from that purchase will enter service by late summer 2009. MTA expects to use funding available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to purchase additional buses.

Under the O'Malley-Brown Administration, Maryland has begun to reduce pollution and address the serious issue of climate change. The Smart, Green & Growing initiative was introduced by Governor O'Malley in October 2008 to strengthen the State's leadership role in fostering smarter, more sustainable growth and inspire action among all Marylanders to achieve a more sustainable future.

The Smart, Green and Growing initiative brings together State agencies, local governments, businesses and citizens to create more livable communities, improve transportation options, reduce the state's carbon footprint, support resource based industry, invest in green technologies, preserve valuable resource lands and restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

For more information on MTA services, schedules and fares please call 410-539-5000 or 866-RIDE-MTA (TTY 410-539-3497) or visit www.mtamaryland.com. To sign up to receive emails about service modifications and delays, go to www.mtamaryland.com and click "Email Notification."

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