Shocking Bus News

Not only shocking, but cutting edge.

A 2006 DaimlerChrysler mock up of the diesel hybrid system.

Just for illustration: please don't kick the bus:)

The Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority (PDRTA to those in the know) have just landed a $3.2 million grant to purchase low-floor diesel-electric hybrid buses, and to improve PDRTA’s maintenance facility in support of their operation.

What does this mean, you ask?

Not only does it mean cleaner air for the area (we are close to EPA standards for ozone) but it also means better options for riders and PDRTA drivers. According to Janice Baroody, Executive Director of PDRTA, there are many riders that use wheelchairs. This low-floor bus kneels and deploys a ramp to greet wheelchair patrons. Ms. Baroody goes on the say that drivers won't need to deploy the ramp themselves, thus saving time on the routes.

What looks to be a GM hybrid diesel with a ramp.

What's left to do? PDRTA still needs to go through the public comment period for adding these funds to budgets, offer the project to bidding companies, then taking delivery. All in all, it will take another year or two before Florence is the only transit system with hybrid buses.

And one last note: two PDRTA riders, Casey and Ethan, make an appearance on http://wall.publictransportation.org/ telling their story of why they like transit.

Check it out. Report back. Let us know how we are doing.