Hybrid buses to save money for MBTA

MBTA is stepping up its efforts of becoming more environment friendly. Come Q1 of 2009, 123 buses belonging to the MBTA would be retrofitted with the proprietary Mini-Hybrid Thermal System. These are being built by Engineered Machined Products, Inc. (EMP), leaders in advanced thermal management and oil management products for variety of transportation needs.

The retrofitted buses are expected to become more fuel efficient and control emissions. The piggy bank at the cash-strapped MBTA is sure to swell in the long run. The savings are in the region of 3 to 14%, fuel saved would be in the region of 300 to 1400 gallons per bus, annually. With the current fuel cost, this would easily translate to annual savings of $1,000 to $4,900 per bus.

Apart from MBTA, the two other transportation bodies who availing the services of EMP are TriMet in Portland, Oregon and MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) in Atlanta, Georgia.

MBTA is going green and saving green ($) too! Kudos to them.