Broome County Transit Orders Six Hybrid Electric Buses

BINGHAMTON, NY - Today, on the eve of Earth Day, Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala was joined by Congressman Hinchey and Jim Garceau BAE Systems Site Executive to announce the addition of six hybrid electric buses to the Broome County (B.C.) Transit fleet in late 2008; marking the introduction of this clean and efficient technology to the areas mass transit system. BAE Systems will provide the hybrid propulsion systems from its plant in Johnson City, where the technology — now used by transit agencies from coast to coast — was developed.

“The introduction of hybrid buses to the B.C. Transit fleet is a significant step in our efforts to become a more 'green' community and reduce energy costs,” County Executive Barbara Fiala said in announcing the county's decision to buy six Orion VII-model hybrid buses from Daimler Commercial Buses North America. “I want to thank NYSERDA and Congressman Hinchey for supporting the new additions to our fleet. It's doubly gratifying that the drive systems for the hybrid busses will be built here by BAE Systems, one of our premier local companies.”

B.C. Transit will spend $3,180,000 in total for the six new busses. Funding for this purchase was provided by both the New York Sate Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and Congressman Maurice Hinchey. NYSERDA granted $1,150,000 to the county to upgrade the engines of new buses to include Hybrid technology.

Congressman Hinchey used his position on the House Appropriations Committee to secure more than $3 million in federal funds for Broome County to purchase the hybrid buses. The congressman is one of the leading proponents of renewable energy technology in the House. Last year, Hinchey helped establish The Solar Energy Consortium -- a new industry-driven, non-profit organization that provides leadership, organization, resources, and support for the establishment of a major solar energy industry cluster in New York. TSEC has partnered with six research universities across New York, including Binghamton University.

Hinchey stated, "By introducing six new hybrid buses into its public transportation system, Broome County is serving as a green energy model for the rest of upstate New York. A critical part of the energy crisis solution must include local government investment in alternative energy vehicles that will reduce emissions and lower energy costs. I'm very pleased that I was able secure more than $3 million for Broome County to purchase these hybrid buses and move the county in a much more environmentally-friendly direction. This is a great way to celebrate Earth Day this year, but the best is yet to come as we work to bring even more hybrid buses to Broome County."

Locally, BAE Systems will use the six buses as a “living laboratory” to further its ongoing development of hybrid vehicle technology. Under this agreement, BAE Systems will use the local hybrid fleet to test equipment and software enhancements as it seeks to continually improve vehicle performance and efficiency.

BAE Systems, the world's leading producer of hybrid propulsion systems for transit buses, developed its HybriDrive® propulsion system in Johnson City in the 1990s. The systems are used extensively by transit authorities in New York City, San Francisco, and Toronto, having accumulated more than 50 million miles of service — and in the process, preventing 50,000 tons of carbon emissions. The technology soon will be introduced to the transit fleets in Houston, Ottawa, and London. Daimler builds the buses at its upstate manufacturing facility in Oriskany, NY (Oneida County).

"We're thrilled to add B.C. Transit to the growing list of transit authorities using our drive systems," said Jim Garceau, site executive for BAE Systems in Johnson City. "We recognize the importance of being a 'green' company as we look to serve the needs of a world ever more concerned with preserving the quality of the environment."

"BAE Systems is grateful to the county for allowing us to use these six buses as a living laboratory that will support our continuing mission to advance this technology and our commitment to the environment."

Buses using the HybriDrive system pollute significantly less and deliver up to 35 percent better fuel economy than similar diesel buses. The Broome County buses will use BAE Systems' latest technology development, a lithium-ion energy storage system that is lighter and lasts longer than traditional lead-acid batteries.

Published Date: 04-21-2008