The Phoenix Public Transit Department’s first group of hybrid buses has passed all tests and is now on the streets of Phoenix, Arizona. The initiative is part of the agency’s efforts to have a zero-emission bus fleet by 2040. The buses use a combination of a hybrid electric motor and batteries, as well as an engine that runs on biodiesel. This means they are more fuel efficient, emit fewer pollutants, and run quieter and more efficiently.

“Phoenix is ​​proud to lead the way to a greener future where our residents can breathe cleaner air while getting to their destinations,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “As we strive to be the most sustainable desert city in the world, we are doing our part to reduce emissions, adopt the latest technology and encourage residents to make climate-conscious choices. I look forward to seeing our brand new buses on the streets to serve the residents of Phoenix.”

The New Flyer Xcelsior hybrid-electric bus seats 35 passengers (53 at maximum standing capacity), has three wheelchair areas and has a range of over 500 miles.

“We do our best to provide our riders with a reliable public transit service that gets them to their destination, and adding buses that run on clean energy to our existing fleet is another way to expand that service,” said Jesús Sapien, Phoenix Public Transit Director.

Currently, Phoenix Public Transit has a fleet of 500 heavy-duty buses that run on alternative fuels such as natural gas and biodiesel. In August 2022, the Federal Transit Administration awarded Phoenix Public Transit a grant for low- and zero-emission buses and related infrastructure. The grant will be used to replace aging buses with battery-powered electric buses and hydrogen fuel cell buses, install new infrastructure, and support workforce development to maintain newer bus fleets.