In addition to dramatic fuel cost savings, the hybrid buses provide dramatically lower emissions, including 90 percent fewer particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.

With regards to performance, the buses provide superior torque and better acceleration than conventional diesel buses, giving passengers a pleasant and smooth ride. Other benefits include reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake, engine oil and transmission oil life, and operational sound levels approaching that of passenger cars.

The clean hybrid technology is manufactured by GM’s Allison Transmission, maker of transmissions and hybrid propulsion systems for commercial trucks, buses, off-highway equipment and military vehicles.

The technology in these buses has served as the starting point for GM’s co-development with DaimlerChrysler of a two-mode hybrid drive system that GM will launch in its vehicles in late 2007.