SEPTA Begins Operation of New Fleet of Hybrid/Electric Articulated Buses

On Oct. 27, some SEPTA riders began the week with a ride aboard SEPTA’s brand-new 60-foot diesel/electric hybrid articulated buses. The first 12 of the 105-passenger buses began service on one of SEPTA’s busiest lines, Route 48 that connects North Philadelphia, Brewerytown, and Fairmount with Center City.

By the end of 2014, SEPTA will receive 70 new articulated buses from manufacturer Nova Bus Inc., with the remaining 115 to be delivered in 2015. Service on additional lines will continue to be added as the buses arrive.

Featuring a modern, streamlined look, the Model LFS Artic HEV hybrid bus is packed with features including a one-step, low-floor design for easy boarding and exit. Passenger comfort will be increased by non-glare LED lightning, automated stop announcements, all-season climate control and quieter operation compared to predecessor vehicles. Improvements for disabled customers include front-door ramp entry and an ADA-accessible interior design that can accommodate up to two wheelchairs per vehicle.

“These new-technology hybrid articulated vehicles are a welcome replacement a portion of our fleet that dates back 15 years.” said SEPTA General Manager Joseph M. Casey. “The new buses enhance our capacity to serve a rapidly growing ridership base that depends on SEPTA for efficient, safe, and reliable transit service in and around the Delaware Valley.”

The introduction of these vehicles also reinforces SEPTA’s commitment to cleaner environment and sustainable practices. “These new buses will also deliver quality of life improvements to the entire region with better fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, which also reduces SEPTA’s overall fuel costs.” said Casey. With the addition of these vehicles, SEPTA will operate a fleet of 747 Hybrid vehicles by December 2015, nearly doubling the size of the hybrid fleet we operated in 2002.