DART's Going GREEN With New Electric Hybrid Buses

Wilmington -- The DART bus fleet is going GREEN with 15 new electric hybrid buses. The new hybrid buses, built by the Gillig Corporation of Hayward, California,feature a colorful headliner banner,Powered by Hybrid Electric Technology Doing Our Part For Clean Air.

The hybrid electric technology on DART buses consists of a highly efficient diesel engine, running on super low-sulphur fuel, in combination with an Allison electric drive transmission system.

The bus operates in its electric mode at speeds up to 25 mph. The diesel engine will then provide power solely or in combination with the electric motor as needed. Unlike gas engine hybrids, the diesel motor keeps running when the bus is operating on electric power. The reason is that diesels can sometimes be more difficult to start quickly. When not in demand the diesel operates at low idle and continues to generate electricity.

It is estimated that hybrid buses can increase fuel economy by as much as 60%, reduce particulates, hydrocarbon and carbon emissions by up to 90%, as well as releasing 60% fewer oxides of nitrogen than older diesel vehicles.

Surprisingly hybrid-electric technology provides 50% better acceleration when starting from a stop or lower speed, because electric motors deliver more torque than internal combustion engines.

Due to the smaller diesel motor and the use of an electric motor, hybrid buses are quieter than standard transit vehicles. The additional weight of the battery pack and additional cooling unit also provides better ride quality.

DART First State is the bus, train, and intermodal transportation provider for Delaware. The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) under the direction of Secretary Carolann Wicks, operates DART First State. DART First State services include contracted SEPTA commuter trains, intercounty bus, fixed route bus, paratransit, seasonal resort bus, commuter assistance, Operation Lifesaver rail crossing safety, and the RideShare Delaware ridematching program. DART First State provides more than 10,200,000 passenger trips annually, removing up to 6,415,094 vehicle trips from area roadways. In 2008, DART was recognized again nationally with awards from the Federal Transit Administration for Enhancing Ridership programs and the American Public Transportation Association for first place in the 2008 Bus Roadeo. For public information for all fixed route services statewide, please call 1-800-652-DART.