Federal grant funds building of turbine hybrid-electric buses for use in Waikiki

HONOLULU—The City and County of Honolulu has been awarded a $5 million grant to replace diesel buses in Waikiki with turbine hybrid-electric buses that are quieter, more fuel-efficient, and produce lower emissions.

Honolulu’s project was selected on a competitive basis through a green transit initiative called the Transit Investments for Greenhouse Gas and Energy Reduction (TIGGER II) Program.

The program is a result of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, which appropriated $75 million for grants to public transit agencies for capital investments that will reduce the energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions of their public transportation systems. 

Honolulu’s project objectives are to:

·      Reduce Greenhouse gases and energy consumption on one of the busiest bus routes in Honolulu;
·      Increase the livability and vitality of Waikiki, a major tourist destination, employment center and residential area, by operating quiet, low-emission turbine buses through this densely populated area;
·      Evaluate the performance of a 45-foot bus in Waikiki allowing a reduction in the number of bus trips;
·      Evaluate the use of electrically-powered components including A/C system, air compressor, and power steering pump;
·      Eliminate the use, and disposal of, engine oil, transmission fluids, and engine coolant;
·      Improve service reliability;
·      Compare turbine hybrid buses with conventional hybrid buses and with conventional diesel buses;
·      Reduce operations and maintenance costs;
·      Prepare an evaluation report which will be used nationwide to advance the knowledge of innovative technologies in transit systems.