The new HART fleet of smoother-riding, cleaner-running 40-foot buses are taking to the streets. The new buses begin service on March 30, and will replace the agency's aging diesel buses that are ready to be retired. The 22 buses will be running exclusively on compressed natural gas (CNG), and each bus is estimated to reduce annual fuel costs by $16,022 per year and significantly limit harmful emissions. CNG buses are a timely investment, thanks to historically low fuel prices and unprecedented domestic production of natural gas.
The beautiful new CNG buses are part of the agency's continuing commitment to improve air quality in the Tampa Bay area. The 22 new buses were part of an order of new compressed natural gas (CNG) heavy-duty, low floor buses built by Gillig bus manufacturer who is responsible for American jobs in Hayward, California.
"We are committed to clean air technology," said HART Chief Executive Officer Katharine Eagan. "Our continued investment in a clean fleet of alternative-fuel vehicles and proven green technologies has made us an industry leader in the state of Florida."
Meanwhile, the value of cleaner, safer air is virtually incalculable - having a positive impact on everyone living in the HART service region and ensuring the improved well-being of future generations. The 22 new CNG buses are equipped with modular ergonomic designed seats that provide a larger, more comfortable personal sitting area. They feature disc brakes replacing drum brakes; electric fans replacing hydraulic fans for better cooling and fuel economy; and an innovative safety feature that identifies bus operators merging into traffic from bus bays with a flashing yellow "Yield" LED light displayed on the rear of the bus. These buses are replacing two current fleets of diesel vehicles that began service in 2001-2002. The full fleet conversion is scheduled for completion in 2025.
