Research Triangle Park, N.C. –   Triangle Transit Authority (TTA) is testing a diesel-electric hybrid bus for two days this week. 

General Manager John Claflin says it’s a good time to evaluate emerging technologies.  “TTA is scheduled to begin replacing some of its older buses in 2-3 years.  More and more transit agencies in the country are moving to hybrid buses as part of their fleet.”  

The diesel-electric hybrid bus will be put through its paces on shuttle trips to RDU International Airport on Tuesday, October 11 and Wednesday, October 12.

The bus tested this week is manufactured by New Flyer.  Hybrid buses have been shown to offer good performance, reduced fuel and maintenance costs, significantly lower fuel emissions, and are much quicker and quieter than conventional vehicles.

Batteries are located on the roof in an environmentally-controlled enclosure that is easily accessed through gull-wing panels. Regenerative braking energy, which is lost in non-hybrid applications, charges the batteries when the vehicle is brought to a stop, saving fuel and increasing brake life.

The 40-foot bus also offers low floor, on-demand kneeling and flip-out ramp accessibility options to optimize access for mobility-impaired riders.

TTA is a regional public transportation provider, offering a wide variety of transit and vanpool services to North Carolina's greater Triangle Region and outlying counties. Bus service is available to Apex, Cary, Chapel Hill, Durham, Garner, RDU International    Airport, Research Triangle Park (RTP) and Raleigh. The Triangle Transit Authority provides commuter resources and hosts GoTriangle.org, the on-line resource for public transportation information in the Triangle and ShareTheRideNC.com, the statewide rideshare matching service.

TTA plans to implement a 28-mile rail transit system with 12 stations connecting Durham, RTP, Cary and Raleigh, with shuttles linking RDU International Airport and RTP. The rail transit system is expected to be operational in 2008. For more information, visit www.rideTTA.org or call (919) 549-9999.