MADISON (WKOW) -- A spokesperson for Madison Mayor Dave Cieslewicz says the mayor joined Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and Madison Metro Officials Monday to celebrate the delivery of 14 new hybrid buses, thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The buses are paid for by ARRA and will replace conventional busses in the city's fleet.
"Thanks to ARRA funding, 10% of our fleet is now made up of cleaner and quieter hybrid buses," Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said. "I want to thank Congresswoman Baldwin and President Obama for fighting for stimulus dollars that have had a real effect here in Madison."
Madison received almost $8 million for purchase of the buses. So far, Madison has received about $36 million in ARRA funding.
"The Mayor has shown great leadership and been a strong partner in efforts to strengthen our economy and protect our environment," said Congresswoman Baldwin. "This is the single biggest ARRA-funded project in Madison, but it's certainly not the only one. We're using every tool in the toolbox to help create and keep jobs and are slowly making progress, but I will not be satisfied until every Wisconsinite who wants a job has one," Baldwin said.
Metro Transit estimates that the new hybrid buses will realize a 20 to 30% fuel savings, meaning a savings to local taxpayers of at least $500,000. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, hybrid buses also reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides by up to 39%, particulate matter up to 97% and carbon monoxide up to 60%.
"We're pleased with the savings we've realized with our current hybrid buses, and these new hybrids, paid for 100% by the federal government, will only increase these savings," Transit and Parking Commission Chair Gary Poulsen said. "Thanks to these ARRA funded hybrids, we'll be able to keep our resources focused on service, where they belong."
"Metro is excited to get these 14 new hybrids out onto the street," Metro Transit Manager Chuck Kamp said. "We are pleased that with this federal stimulus funding, Metro can provide safer, cleaner, more economical service to our customers."
