The first group of hybrid buses has passed all tests and now traveling along Phoenix roads.

The buses use a combination of a hybrid-electric motor and batteries and a biodiesel-fueled engine. 

The New Flyer Xcelsior Hybrid-Electric bus can accommodate 35 passengers (53 with maximum standing capacity), has three wheelchair areas and has a driving range of more than 500 miles, officials stated in a release.

Currently, Phoenix Public Transit has a fleet of 500 heavy-duty buses that run on alternative fuels, includ​ing natural gas and biodiesel.

“We do our best to serve our riders with a reliable public transit service to get them where they need to go,” Public Transit Director Jesús Sapien said.

“And providing cleaner energy buses to our existing fleet is yet another way we are adding to that service.” 

In August 2022, the Federal Transit Administration awarded Phoenix Public Transit a grant​ for low- and no-emissions buses and supporting infrastructure.

The grant is being used to replace aging buses with battery electric and hydrogen fuel-cell buses, install new infrastructure “and assist in workforce development to maintain newer bus fleets,” the release stated.

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