PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND, July 12,
2011 – The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) announced
today that there will be a celebratory ribbon cutting ceremony at
the Blackstone Valley Visitors Center, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket,
Rhode Island at 9:00 am on Thursday, July 14, 2011. RIPTA, alongside
City of Pawtucket Mayor Donald R. Grebien and other city
representatives, will be celebrating the arrival of two new classic
hybrid trolleys in Pawtucket. The hybrid trolleys will service Route
73 (Fairlawn/CCRI) and Route 80 (Armistice Blvd.).
“I am very pleased to welcome
RIPTA’s new diesel-hybrid trolleys to Pawtucket. As eye-catching as
they look, what is really impressive is that they will reduce air
pollution and urban noise while cutting fuel consumption by about 20
percent. The trolleys a modern addition with a historical twist to
our city streets, and by putting some fun back into public
transportation I am confident they will also encourage more people
to leave their cars at home.
I am also committed to working with
RIPTA, as RIPTA is with us, to preserve as much as possible the
routes our commuters have come to rely on, even amidst the proposed
cost reductions, said Mayor Donald R. Grebian.
The new hybrid diesel trolleys are
powered by clean diesel hybrid electrical propulsion systems that
reduce emissions, save fuel and are smoother and quieter than
conventional buses. This not only reduces air pollution, but noise
pollution as well, thus improving the environment for Rhode
Islanders.
Nearby states are already seeing
results from switching over to hybrid buses. Results in the
Connecticut Department of Transportation Hybrid Bus Testing Project
Report showed that “the hybrid buses demonstrated about 10% improved
fuel economy compared to the base clean-diesel buses. The buses were
popular among passengers and operators, who cited their quiet
vibration-free ride.”
New Classic
Hybrid Trolleys
“The look of the trolleys along
Roosevelt Avenue between historic Slater Mill and
the Visitor Center is a great attraction for visitors and residents
to enjoy,” commented Robert Billington, President, Blackstone Valley
Tourism Council.
The red and gold trolleys, which
each seat approximately 32 passengers, will replace traditional
diesel buses. Each trolley, manufactured by Gillig Bus in
partnership with Cable Car Classics, costs $696,959.50. Federal
Transit Administration Grants funded the base cost of the trolley,
while the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) covered the
incremental cost of the Hybrid Propulsion System. A 20% local match
was provided by State General Obligation Bonds. The trolley includes
Gillig heavy-duty reliability and ADA accessibility wrapped up in
the appeal of old fashioned trolley charm.
These new trolleys are part of
RIPTA’s normal fleet replacement plan to maintain their fleet in top
condition; these represent two of ten purchased in 2010. Replacement
of CNG trolleys and diesel buses to a hybrid system will yield
approximately a 20% savings on fuel for RIPTA.
For information on RIPTA services,
call 781-9400 or visit ripta.com.
