CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM A new Bus Rapid Transit hybrid electric bus stood at a curb in Kakaako yesterday before a quick trip around the block. Bus driver Kimo Dickson noted that the 75-passenger articulated bus was quiet, and the engine demonstrated a lot of torque, or power, during acceleration.

City unveils new
hybrid buses

The vehicles will be in service
for the Bus Rapid Transit system

Mayor Jeremy Harris unveiled a new hybrid gas and electric bus yesterday that will be used for the city's Bus Rapid Transit.

The ultraquiet vehicle made by General Motors is scheduled to go into service Nov. 8 and is the first of 10 purchased by the city for $749,000 each.

The silver buses are being called the Transit and will have a route connecting Iwilei and Waikiki. Fares will be the same as for a regular city bus.

CRAIG T. KOJIMA / CKOJIMA@STARBULLETIN.COM Mayor Jeremy Harris stood in front as the vehicle pulled away from the curb.

"We purchased these vehicles as another way to ensure a quality environment on our island," Harris said. "This is an excellent example of how government, working with the private sector, can take the lead to promote a more environmentally sustainable transportation system."

The first phase of the Bus Rapid Transit project involves a 5.6-mile route between Waikiki and Iwilei on the Ewa side of downtown, using dedicated lanes on the existing roadways for the hybrid buses.

A planned second phase of the Bus Rapid Transit project would tie the Waikiki-downtown part with a bus system to Kapolei in West Oahu.