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Nov. 15, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) – Metro Transit gave downtown Minneapolis workers and residents a look at the future of public transportation in the region when it paraded 17 of its 19 new hybrid electric buses up Nicollet Mall during the noon hour today.

The new buses, along with 150 more to follow over the next four years, are the cornerstone of Metro Transit’s Go Greener initiative. The hybrid buses deliver 22 percent better fuel mileage and produce 90 percent fewer emissions than the buses they replace. The hybrid models, coupled with Metro Transit’s commitment to soy-based biodiesel, will reduce the agency’s dependence on fossil fuel and improve air quality.

“The new buses demonstrate our support of the Access Minneapolis transportation plan, which calls for only clean, alternatively fueled vehicles to be used on Nicollet Mall beginning in 2010,” said Metro Transit General Manager Brian Lamb.

When the new 19 buses are placed in service Monday better than one-third of all local bus trips on the Nicollet Mall will be operated with hybrid electric models, Lamb said.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak noted that better than 40 percent of commuters headed to downtown Minneapolis use public transportation. “By using Metro Transit buses and trains, these commuters are improving the environment. By sharing the ride, they are dramatically cutting into the 2.6 tons of greenhouse gas emissions that the average metro area commuter places in the air every year by driving alone to work.”

“It made sense to use public transportation before today’s announcement. It makes even more sense now,” Rybak added.

“Metro Transit’s actions demonstrate a commitment to innovation and stewardship of the region’s environment,” said Todd Klingel, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce. “These buses are not only better for air quality throughout the metro area, they also are substantially quieter than standard models, making the pedestrian, shopping and outdoor dining experience on the Mall more enjoyable.”

When all elements of Metro Transit’s Go Greener plan are implemented, the agency will reduce its consumption of fossil fuel by 1.6 million gallons annually, said Peter Bell, chair of the Metropolitan Council, which oversees Metro Transit and other transit operations in the region.

“Gov. Pawlenty asked state government to lead the way to a sustainable future for Minnesota, and both the Council and Metro Transit have responded,” Bell said. “Metro Transit already uses a 10 percent biodiesel blend in its fuel – five times higher than the state requires. And it will double that percentage next year.”

To draw attention to the fleet of new buses, Lamb said all rides on the Go Greener designed buses will be free Monday, Nov. 19. Those buses will operate primarily on routes 17 and 18. Route 17 serves Hopkins, St. Louis Park, Uptown, Nicollet Mall and northeast Minneapolis. Route 18 serves Bloomington, Richfield, south Minneapolis (along Grand and Nicollet) and Nicollet Mall.

Lamb said that through the end of the year all rides on one of the Go Greener buses will be free. Metro Transit will rotate that bus on routes throughout its service area so more riders can experience the benefits of hybrid electric technology.

Metro Transit is a service of the Metropolitan Council. Customers boarded Metro Transit buses and trains 73.4 million times last year. For more information contact Bob Gibbons at 612-349-7509 or at robert.gibbons@metc.state.mn.us) or visit www.metrotransit.org.

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Metro Transit Introduces New Hybrid Buses

Rides on “Go Greener Buses are Free Starting Monday Nov. 19