Metro wins Clean Air Excellence Award

Passengers who've become partial to Metro Transit's new hybrid buses now have another reason to like their ride - Metro has been named the winner of a prestigious national Clean Air Excellence Award [external link] for 2005 presented by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Metro's hybrid bus program was cited for its innovative combination of hybrid electric technology and use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, placing the buses among of the cleanest-running public transit vehicles in the county.

"We are honored to receive this award and pleased to be a living lab of innovation that is helping to pave the way for governments here and abroad to use new technology that delivers cleaner air and reduces global warming," said King County Executive Ron Sims.

Metro reports that the hybrid buses are performing better than expected, and the successful hybrid experience here in King County is opening up more markets this "green" technology.