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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 26, 2010

New Metro Hybrid Buses... Just in Time to Fight Smog
Three more hybrids funded with stimulus dollars in service on Aug. 5

CINCINNATI –The first week in August often brings the hottest temperatures of the year. Hot weather increases the chances of smog and its health effects.

On Thursday, Aug. 5, Cincinnati Metro is doing its part to combat smog with the addition of three hybrid buses to its fleet.

The three new hybrid buses, purchased with federal funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will be on display for the public on Aug. 5 at these locations:

• Ault Park pavilion, 10 to 11 a.m.
• Downtown on Fifth Street (between Walnut and Main), noon to 1 p.m.

With the addition of these three new buses, Metro will now have a total of nine hybrid buses in service. Four additional hybrid buses will be added in the fall.

"As Metro's fleet gets greener, Cincinnati's air gets cleaner" said Marilyn Shazor, Metro's CEO. "Mass transit itself is an important and easy way to go green, and our hybrid buses illustrate our system's commitment to environmental responsibility."

In their first year, Metro's first six hybrid buses made a big difference to the environment:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 190 tons
• Provided about 330,000 clean, green rides
• Traveled almost 210,000 miles
• Saved almost 7,000 gallons of diesel fuel

"Smog is a problem in the Cincinnati area and Metro's purchase of cleaner, lower emission buses is a positive step toward helping clean up our air," said Cory Chadwick, Director of the Hamilton County Dept. of Environmental Services. "In fact, everyone can help by increasing their use of public transportation, especially by choosing to ride a diesel-hybrid bus with significantly lower exhaust emissions, better fuel economy, and a quieter ride than a standard diesel bus."

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing more than 19 million rides per year. Metro supports the economy, protects the environment, encourages energy independence, and improves the quality of life in Greater Cincinnati.