Sarasota’s been on the leading edge of conservation efforts in recent years. County commissioners have passed several resolutions mandating sustainability and preservation…and now they’re adding a hybrid bus to the county’s public transit fleet. The diesel-electric bus is the first of 30 that Sarasota County Area Transit plans to have on the road by next year. SCAT’s maintenance manager - Chad Engel - says it saves gas, emits less pollution…and is a downright smooth ride…


“It actually is much like riding in an automobile. Very quiet compared to a standard diesel bus. Very enjoyable – you don’t have to shout or yell if you’re sitting in the back if you’re riding with a friend or you meet somebody new on the bus. It’s a more pleasant atmosphere than a typical city bus.”

Engel says it’s all part of the county’s commitment to reduce fossil fuel use. Sarasota County Commissioners just passed what’s called the 2030 Challenge – a mandate to step down carbon emissions to ZERO over the next 24 years.

----
Sarasota County Commissioners recently passed a resolution calling for the reduction in fossil fuel emissions. One of the first steps toward that goal got started Monday when the first of 30 hybrid buses hit the road as part of the county’s transit fleet. Sarasota County Area Transit maintenance manager Chad Engel calls the buses a win – win…


“The emissions are knocked down significantly…most by more than 90-percent, others by more than 50-percent. The overall diesel fuel consumption…you’re saving about 30-percent…the equivalent to about 7-thousand gallons a year.”

Engel says not only do the buses require less energy and emit less pollution, but they’re also so quiet you have to listen closely to tell if they’re running. The hybrid buses cost a half-million dollars each -- 200-thousand more than a standard diesel bus. They’re being purchased with federal grants.