The greener way

The TTC is leading the way in hybrid transit vehicle use in Canada. The commission put its first wave of new-generation energy-smart buses on the road in December. The buses are diesel-electric hybrids, using energy captured during braking to power part of their ride. Although BC Transit, Edmonton and Ottawa have committed for some units, the TTC believes it’s the first transit company in Canada undertaking to create hybrids in its fleet.

Cost: $734,000 for a hybrid, compared with $500,000 for diesel buses.
Specs: 12 metres long; 2.6 metres wide; 3.4 metres high; 15,000 kg. weight
Environmental benefits:

• 37% less greenhouse gas emissions
• 30-50% less emissions of harmful particulates
• 30-50% less nitrous oxide emissions
• 40 tonnes less carbon dioxide output, per bus each year
• 3-5 decibel reduction in noise levels
• 20-30% less fuel use (TTC now buys 75 million litres annually)

Where to ride: More than 100 are already on duty, mostly running out of the TTC’s Arrow Rd. garage, west of Highway 400 and south of Finch Ave.
What’s different: They look a lot like their first-generation cousins. But the manufacturer, Daimler-owned Orion Bus, has redesigned the hybrid mounting on the bus roof for a sleeker look. All hybrids are low-floor, which means riders board at curb height. A ramp is still needed to provide wheelchair access at curbside.
Hybrids come with air conditioning and bike racks. Their interior features peripheral seating; there are fewer seats at the back, but riders have an easier time reaching the back to stand there.
Seating and capacity: The buses have 36 seats, with a “crushload” capacity of 53 people.

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