|
The global hybrid
bus population has increased dramatically in just a few years. In
a report for the Transportation Research Board, the NAVC estimated
that more than 300 hybrid buses had been built worldwide as of 1999.
More significant are the transit operators' planned hybrid bus purchases
for 2001 and beyond. In the U.S. alone, the number of planned hybrid
buses purchases will increase the bus market from approximately
65 in 1999 to over 300 in 2001.
As of 1999,
about 70 hybrid buses had been tested with U.S. transit agencies
from New York to Hawaii. Approximately 50 hybrid buses have been
deployed for testing throughout Europe, notably Germany, Italy,
Sweden and Denmark. In Asia, hybrid buses are being tested in Japan,
Thailand, and Australia.
United
States
Three transit
agencies stand out as having extensive hybrid drive experience to
date: New York City Transit, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation
and Cedar Rapids Five Seasons Transportation. Each agency operates
at least five hybrid buses in revenue service and has more than
10,000 road miles on its fleet.
MTA New
York City Transit has been a proving ground for hybrid-electric
drive technology for almost 10 years. It is the first transit agency
in North America to demonstrate a small fleet of 40-foot hybrid
transit buses in revenue service. These buses are being used to
test the operational viability and economic feasibility of hybrid
drive technology for large-scale adoption by the MTA. Because of
its purchasing power and demanding environment, New York City will
have a great influence on the direction and success of the hybrid
bus industry. NYC MTA has committed to purchasing 125 buses in 2001
and 200 in 2003.
Five Seasons
Transportation in Cedar Rapids, Iowa was one of the first transit
agencies in the country to begin operating electric drive systems
in regular revenue service back in 1995. Cedar Rapids operates five
hybrid and four battery-electric buses built by Blue Bird and Northrop
Grumman. The buses operate year round in demanding weather conditions
that give hybrid technology a tough test of its performance and
reliability.
The Los Angeles
Department of Transportation and surrounding communities are
evaluating the use of hybrid buses as a way of helping the Los Angeles
region meet strict air quality standards. LADOT's most recent project
involves testing 8 hybrid buses built by ElDorado National and ISE
Research. In Orange County hybrids built by New Flyer and Solectria
Corporation are in revenue service. Some of the hybrid buses will
be used to demonstrate advanced technologies, including turbines
and flywheels.
There are other
important hybrid demonstrations in th U.S., as well as in Europe
and Asia, which are detailed in the TRB report.
|
