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Using Hybrid Bus Technology to Market Hamilton's Beeline Bus Rapid Route

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector Transportation
Project value$9,997,023
Project Type Capital Project
Sub Sector Public Transit
Grant amount$330,000
Program type GMF
Municipality City of Hamilton, ON
Loan amount$2,493,420
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 569,353
Project timeline 2006 - 2007
Project number 9458

Description

The City of Hamilton will enhance its Beeline corridor by replacing 12 of its existing diesel buses with five 40-foot hybrid (diesel/electric) low floor buses and seven 60-foot articulated hybrid low floor buses. The City will also extended hours of operation to provide mid-day and evening service; use the articulated buses to address capacity shortfalls; re-brand the Beeline service to promote faster travel speeds and new environmentally friendly buses; implement transit priority measures; improve transit stops and terminals; promote employers’ passes and U-Pass; and, implement off-board fare purchase and smart cards. The City estimates that the hybrid bus initiative will save approximately 67,500 litres of fuel and 184 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, a 30 per cent reduction. The implementation of the additional programs will increase ridership, and improve transit service. There will be two types of economic benefits: direct benefits from reducing operating costs and benefits from increasing job opportunities along arteries as a result of improved transit service. Outcomes will be considerable in terms of climate and air quality.

Project results

Environmental outcomes

  • Reduced energy use
  • Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
  • Access to public and alternative transportation
  • Promotion of eco-friendly transportation

Social outcomes

  • Protection/improvement of public human health
  • Increased public safety and security
  • Increased opportunities for physical activity
  • Increased opportunities for recreational activities
  • Improved service delivery and/or level or service
  • Increased social inclusion
  • Improved public education or awareness
  • Heritage conservation

Economic outcomes

  • Reduced maintenance costs
  • Increased service life
  • New or improved revenue streams
  • Innovative financing
  • Increased municipal attraction
  • Local business development or local economy stimulus
  • Local spending/consumption

Lessons learned

  • Stakeholder and community engagement
  • Council support/buy-in
  • Communication & coordination
  • Data and reporting
  • Resources
  • External factors

Applicant

City of Hamilton, ON