Allison Transmission and B-Metro partnership to modernize public transit system in Texas with electric hybrid technology

Allison Transmission has partnered with B-Metro, the public transit system in Brownsville, Texas, to provide the Allison eGen FlexTM electric hybrid propulsion system for 35-foot GILLIG buses. The city recently received a $4.7 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration’s (FTA) 2023 Low or No Emission Program. Brownsville named Allison’s eGen Flex electric hybrid technology in its application for the grant. The city is one of 125 communities across the U.S. to be awarded this funding for modernizing bus facilities and purchasing new vehicles that help reduce emissions.

“Receiving the FTA grant is a significant win for the city of Brownsville and our residents,” said City of Brownsville Deputy Director of Multimodal Transportation Gennie Garcia. “The new vehicles will be safer, more reliable and better for the environment. We’re eager to update our fleet with fully electric-capable alternatives in order to achieve our goal of reducing carbon emissions.”

The eGen Flex system’s electric-only mode is activated through geofencing technology, which will enable the new buses to automatically switch into engine-off mode in pre-defined zero-emission zones including densely populated areas of the city. The technology will allow Brownsville to modernize its fleet and expand access to public transit.

“Allison is proud to be the electric hybrid propulsion solution of choice for the city of Brownsville,” said Rohan Barua, vice president, North America sales, global channel and aftermarket at Allison Transmission. “Our eGen Flex system offers several benefits to transit agencies as they strive to achieve their emissions reduction goals. We remain committed to collaborating with transit agencies nationwide to support them in their easier transition to net-zero emissions technology.”