Originally published February 15 2006
U.S. cities going green by introducing hybrid vehicles into public transportation systems
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Newsweek reports on big cities across the U.S. that are considering adding hybrid vehicles to their fleet of public transportation vehicles.
King County, which encompasses Seattle, has a bus fleet of 1,400.
Only 236 are hybrids, but fleet manager Jim Boon anticipates that number will multiply: "Having the stored energy in the batteries gives us much better fuel economy."
Seattle's taking on enviro-friendly causes is no shocker.
But other cities are, too---with prodding from officials who want to decrease emissions and noise and save money on fuel.
Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has proposed an ordinance requiring any fleet owner with 50 or more medallions to have at least one hybrid or alternative-fuel vehicle by June 2007.
"Mayor Daley's goal is to have the greenest city in America," says Norma Reyes, commissioner of the Department of Consumer Services, which oversees taxis.
In New York City, lawmakers should vote soon on whether to turn all cabs into hybrids in the next half decade.
Hybridization could take time: taxi operators typically run cabs for five years, and transit systems run buses for 12 to 18.
Hybrid models like the Prius and Civic can be too small for cabbies, who need room for four passengers and luggage, says Ray Mundy, professor of transportation at the University of Missouri.
So cab operators---who traditionally buy used Crown Victoria police cruisers---are stuck with expensive SUV hybrids like the Ford Escape and Toyota Highlander.
When could we see a hybrid Crown Victoria?
No time soon, says a Ford spokesman.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml