Dec. 13, 2004

Executive Ron Sims' statement on hybrid buses

"Last summer, King County Metro began taking delivery of the first of 213 hybrid buses in order to protect and improve the environment and the air we breathe. The decision to purchase these clean-air buses was a good decision then and is proving to be a good decision now, as we prepare to accept delivery of the remaining buses. Today's story in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer indicates we are "disappointed" with the performance of these hybrid buses. That is not true. Fuel economy was an important part of the purchase decision but was only one of many important reasons for purchasing hybrid buses.

"Given the decline in the Puget Sound's air quality and growing reliance on public transportation to help reduce traffic congestion, King County made the decision to be a leader in new cutting-edge technology to greatly reduce pollution-causing emissions. We must increase the public's mobility without increasing the health and environmental problems caused by vehicle emissions. The hybrid bus purchase moved us in that direction.

"Metro's review of ongoing performance and fuel efficiency shows these hybrid buses are an excellent investment. Not only are they the first in the nation to meet more stringent EPA clean-air requirements for new bus and truck fleets, they are also necessary for safe, joint operation of buses and light rail in the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.

"In addition to the obvious benefits, such as a more quiet, comfortable and reliable ride, these new buses will save money. We needed a bus that could operate in the bus tunnel and the alternative to the hybrid was a dual-mode bus that would have cost Metro $1.6 million. That's almost $1 million more than the cost of our hybrid bus.

"We are also seeing a significant savings in maintenance costs. Next year we will save $3 million in maintenance costs for the tunnel fleet. And, it is taking fewer workers to keep these buses on the streets. Over the past 18 months, Metro has reduced its maintenance staff by 13 employees. Given the way these buses operate, we also expect to see significant savings on wear and tear, such as less brake replacement and fewer oil changes.

"While we have not yet achieved the fuel economy initially promised by the manufacturer, in the future we expect to save over 350,000 gallons of fuel per year. Rather than accepting initial fuel economy readings, Metro is working with the manufacturer to make adjustments to enhance fuel efficiency. Those first buses to hit the streets are now seeing better and better fuel mileage as they get broken in. While our metropolitan area is a challenging place to drive, given our geography and congestion, we are already seeing a 20 percent improvement in mileage compared to the older Breda buses the hybrids are replacing.

"We are proud of the fact these buses are helping us preserve a valuable transportation corridor in the most congested city in the county for future bus use. That, in turn, will help relieve congestion. We also take pride in being among the first agencies in the nation to meet and exceed more stringent federal emissions requirements well before the upcoming deadline. Once again, King County is leading the way in promoting clean air technology and protecting our quality of life."