Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a hybrid bus?
A: A hybrid bus looks almost the same as a regular bus, until you get under the hood. Inside the transmission, an electric motor is used during braking to slow the bus down and capture energy for the battery. This electrical energy is then used to assist in powering the bus, reducing the fuel consumption.
Q: What are the benefits of a hybrid bus?
A: Hybrid buses can use up to 30 per cent less fuel than normal buses, and that means they have lower greenhouse-gas emissions. Hybrid buses are also quieter than conventional buses, and they can have lower operating costs.
Q: Where can I ride the hybrid bus?
A: The hybrid buses are currently operating in downtown Halifax on Route 1 and Route 10.
Q: Does it cost more to ride the hybrid bus?
A: No. The hybrid bus costs the same as a regular fare.
Q: How do I know if I'm riding a hybrid bus?
A: Both of the hybrid buses have a distinct graphic design on the outside that features white clouds on a sky-blue background. There will also be signs inside the buses to indicate that it is a hybrid bus.
Q: Why are there only two hybrid buses in Halifax?
A: Hybrid buses are a relatively new technology. As with any new technology, we want to make sure hybrid buses make sense for Halifax. That's why we've decided to test these two buses for 18 months, and collect data on their fuel use. When this project is complete, we will know how much of a difference hybrid buses can make. Be sure to check www.getonboardhrm.ca regularly for updates because we're keeping count!
Q: Why are Metro Transit and the Government of Nova Scotia buying hybrid buses?
A: Hybrid buses have the potential to greatly reduce the amount of energy used in the transportation sector. For Metro Transit, this could mean saving money on fuel. For Nova Scotia, this could mean significant reductions in greenhouse-gas emissions that will help us meet our goal to have one of the cleanest and most sustainable environments in the world.
Q: Isn't public transit environmentally friendly? Why do we need hybrid buses?
A: Public transportation is substantially more environmentally friendly when compared to the use of personal vehicles, but there is always room for improvement. Hybrid technology has the potential to save thousands of litres of fuel each year, and who doesn't want to save at the pump?
