SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) - As eight diesel-powered buses age out of the Sangamon Mass Transit District (SMTD), they are each set to be replaced by brand new hybrid buses. The first of the fleet had a grand reveal on Wednesday. The eight new Gillig diesel-electric hybrids will join 26 compressed natural gas buses that are already in use at the SMTD. 22 diesels are still running, though the new hybrids have now transitioned SMTD's buses into a majority low-emissions convoy. "Our transition from diesel power to low-emission vehicles gives us time to adequately explore the appropriateness of zero-emission vehicles in the future of our fleet," Managing Director Steve Schoeffel said. "The newest of our diesel buses will not be eligible for replacement until 2030 or later. So we have a few years to utilize the hybrids and see if something else makes sense for us - operationally and financially - moving forward." Champaign-Urbana MTD hosting Juneteenth Block Party It's a $7,250,000 million makeover that's part of a federally-required zero-emissions change. "In discussing how we highlight the diesel-electric hybrid power on the new buses, we incorporated some other maintenance-related wish list items," Schoeffel added. "Our existing paint scheme requires multiple colors and more costly paint jobs whenever a bus is involved in an accident. The new design is a lower white half of the bus, allowing for easier and quicker repainting, and a more modern look." Photo courtesy of Steve Schoeffel. Schoeffel said SMTD's new hybrids will benefit the Springfield community. "In addition to the fuel cost savings, these new hybrids will allow us to program areas of the city to run on electric power. We will plan to start with areas of high concentration like the downtown transfer center at the HUB and our secondary hub at Junction Circle and then add high idle areas like time stops in neighborhoods, medical facilities, and schools as regenerative charging will allow. We look forward to seeing what the new fleet can do." Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
