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New TARC hybrids hit the streets

Wed, 06/30/2010 - 08:18 — Dave Morse

This new hybrid bus was purchased with ARRA stimulus dollars. It features a new 'hybrid' color scheme (har har), merging the new grey bus scheme with the butterfly from the older iconic blue "Breathe Easier" hybrids. Hybrids have better fuel economy than their pure-diesel counterparts, but they cost more up-front. Whether they repay that initial investment is a gamble on the future price of diesel.

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Wed, 06/30/2010 - 12:16 — dsevil

Gillig Hybrids

I've had a couple opportunities to ride these. They're pretty much the same as all the other Gillig low-floor buses.  I've also had a couple opportunities to hear one from outside. Well, try to. They're quiet as hell.

Of course, with the arrival of this batch of low-floor hybrids, and the June 6th service cuts, came the retirement of TARC's last high-floor buses.

Goodbye, Mister Bus!
(photo taken by yours truly)

Seen here in April 2010 on its way to the garage from its last run of the day on the #17, 809 is part of a batch of 38 Flxible Metro D coaches received in 1994.  809 was most likely the only one in that batch that was never repainted from its original livery as seen here.

Also with the retirement of these Flxibles, TARC's active fleet is now 100% Gillig low-floors (excepting trolley replicas and paratransit buses). My contact at TARC says they're actually pretty reliable and particularly that their parts department is the best in the industry.