When Ames Transit Agency, or CyRide, needed to replace 10 older diesel buses at the end of their service life, the transit agency looked to the TIGGER Program to cover the incremental cost of upgrading its new buses with hybrid electric propulsion systems. Thanks to $1,600,000 in TIGGER funding, CyRide recently started operating its new hybrid buses in and around Ames, Iowa.
Manufactured by Gillig, the 40-ft buses feature hybrid drive systems made by Voith, a seasoned transmission producer new to the growing hybrid market. This marks the transit agency’s first venture into hybrid technology and alternative fuels—the new buses run on biodiesel fuel blends, between B2 and B20, depending on seasonal requirements and pricing.
By replacing older, inefficient buses with new hybrid buses that run on biodiesel, CyRide is realizing significant fuel savings and greenhouse gas emission reductions while maintaining its high quality service.
Fuel savings from each hybrid bus are estimated at 1,489 gallons a year—a 20% reduction in fuel consumption—which corresponds to 14.4 tons fewer carbon dioxide emissions compared to other buses in the fleet. The new buses also reduce the average age of the CyRide fleet by four years, ensuring reliability as well as sustainability. CyRide is paving the way for other transit agencies interested in adding such vehicles to their fleets. Based on its real-world operating experience, CyRide is compiling a how-to manual for other transit agencies and is also working with InTrans to monitor, analyze, and document its emissions reductions.
CyRide’s unique three-party funding agreement—between the City of Ames and Iowa State University and its students—provides for a seamless community-wide transportation system. This intergovernmental agreement also allows for the advancement of sustainability initiatives, including this TIGGER project as well as biodiesel fuel use and numerous green building projects. In 2008, CyRide’s administrative office building was the first public building in the state to receive LEED gold certification. The Ames Intermodal Transportation facility, scheduled to open in June 2012, is expected to achieve LEED gold status as well.