Cincinnati Metro hybrid buses parade through Eden Park on April 21

Local dignitaries and SORTA board members water six trees to be planted in Eden Park to commemorate Metro's first six hybrid buses

On Tuesday, April 21 in Eden Park just outside of downtown Cincinnati, Metro (operated by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority) introduced its first six hybrid buses. Sporting a new "go*GREEN" design, the hybrids go into service tomorrow on Earth Day. The event concluded with a hybrid bus parade from Eden Park into downtown Cincinnati. The new buses replace old ones that are beyond their useful life.

"Metro officially put these six, beautiful new hybrid buses into service on Earth Day," said Marilyn Shazor, Metro's CEO. "The hybrids reduce soot and hydrocarbon emissions by more than 90 percent and fuel use by up to 30 percent. For a tax-supported transit system like ours, it's about being green and saving green at the same time."

Trees dedicated to commemorate hybrids, schools
A Native American proverb states: "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children."

As part of the ceremony, six trees donated by Cincinnati Parks to form a grove in Eden Park were dedicated to Cincinnati's children to commemorate Metro's first six hybrid buses. Each tree is dedicated to the students of these Cincinnati Public elementary schools:

• Hays-Porter School
• Midway School
• Pleasant Ridge Montessori
• Roll Hill Academy
• Rothenberg Preparatory Academy
• Winton Hills Academy

"We are proud that our new hybrid buses support the critical environmental goals of the region," said Melody Sawyer Richardson, chair of the SORTA board. "Goals are important, but we should take a minute to remember why those goals exist: we want to build a greener, healthier future for our children and their children."

Fashion models arrive on hybrid for Earth Day event on Fountain Square
On Earth Day, April 22, "Eco Go-Go Fashion Show" models wearing environmentally-conscious and bike-beautiful fashions arrived at downtown's Fountain Square in "green" style on one of Metro's new hybrid buses. Their runway was a flower carpet, designed by Cincinnati graphic designer Joel Knueven.

From noon to 1 p.m., lunchtime visitors checked out a new Metro hybrid bus. Metro information and green goodies were available during the event. At 1 p.m., Metro's new hybrid buses officially were launched into service.

Hybrid bus background: Hybrid buses are a green alternative to traditional diesel-powered buses. They are powered both by an electric motor and a diesel engine. Electricity is generated by the engine and by the braking action of the bus as it slows down or stops, which is called regenerative braking. Each hybrid will dramatically reduce emissions and each will save 3,000 gallons of diesel annually fuel compared to a diesel bus.

Hybrid funding: The six new hybrids were funded by a combination of federal funds -- including Congestion Mitigation/Air Quality (CMAQ) and Clean Fuels funding -- with a local dollar match. The federal funding per bus ranged from 70 percent to 100 percent. These federal funds could only be used to buy new buses. This money could not be used for Metro's daily operations like paying driver wages or buying fuel.

More hybrids are being ordered by Metro using recently awarded stimulus funding, to be delivered in 2010.

Benefits:
Significant emission reductions
. 95% reduction in particulate (soot)
. 90% reduction in hydrocarbons
. 50% reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx)

Improved passenger experience
. Reduced noise levels
. Smoother acceleration and ride
. Comfortable and environmentally friendly

Positive regional impact
. Improved air quality - a critical factor in Greater Cincinnati
. Enhanced environmental stewardship
. Reduced noise in urban environment
. Enhanced regional image

Improved fuel economy
. About 30% less fuel used
. Reduced dependence on fossil fuels

Metro is a non-profit public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 22 million rides per year.