February 11, 2009

CONTACT: Jenna Reedy, Business Development Manager
Day: 849-0708
Fax: 848-4853
Email: jreedy@rabbittransit.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                            

rabbittransit Green Plan Unveiled: Launch of New Hybrids 

rabbittransit Becomes First Transit System in State to Implement Hybrids

York, PA – rabbittransit announced today the creation of its first green plan, as well as the introduction of 10 hybrid diesel-electric buses into its paratransit fleet. This makes it the first transit system in the state of Pennsylvania to launch paratransit hybrids as part of a pilot project.

The new hybrid vehicles are funded through a demonstration grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Notable efficiency highlights the vehicles offer include:

• a 32% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

• a 40% miles per gallon improvement versus a conventional gasoline vehicle

• a 75% reduction in fuel consumption during idle

• and, they are nearly emissions free for passenger pick-ups as a result of all-electric operation of the vehicle.

“I have been a vocal advocate for public transportation and new alternative energy sources for quite some time,” said Rep. Stanley Saylor. “This is the kind of program we need to see more of if we are going to break our dependence on foreign oil and make our Commonwealth more energy efficient.” 

In addition to the hybrid vehicles, rabbittransit’s green plan outlines other eco-friendly initiatives such as the use of biodiesel in the rest of its fleet. A product made from soybeans, biodiesel is a cleaner burning fuel that is biodegradable. To further assist York residents in reducing their carbon footprint, the transit authority also offers a vanpooling program and commuter bus services to Harrisburg. Commuter service to Maryland will begin February 2.  

“rabbittransit is showing once again their commitment to running a pro environment mass transit agency.  Their efforts to run their operations in a fiscally sound manner while also looking for new business by commuting to Harrisburg and Baltimore will pay huge dividends for this region for a long time to come. They also know that saving gas also saves consumers money and I am very pleased to be a strong supporter of their efforts,” commented Rep. Eugene DePasquale.

rabbittransit’s green plan not only focuses on its transit services, but looks at the areas of energy, waste, paper conservation, and vehicular and maintenance initiatives in the organization as a means to reduce, recycle or conserve. A few green tips have even been added to the backs of the bright new hybrids as yet another way to encourage citizens to practice green living in their daily lives.

“As a public transit system, we have a responsibility to be environmentally aware. We want to challenge ourselves to implement greener alternatives that benefit our customers and community,” stated rabbittransit Executive Director Richard Farr.  For more details on the green initiative, please visit www.rabbittransit.org/greenplan.

rabbittransit, York County’s public transportation system, provides a variety of transportation services to the residents of York County. Nearly 6,000 people depend on rabbittransit each day to get to work, medical facilities, school and other life-sustaining activities. rabbittransit is dedicated to helping all York Countians get to where they want to go.