The Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) has unveiled the first commercial bus with a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and electric hybrid drive system. The new technology was made possible by grants from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), San Diego Air Pollution Control District (APCD), and the California Air Resources Board (CARB).  Poway-based ISE Corporation provided the research and development of the new drive system installed within a standard size MTS bus.

San Diego’s own North Island Credit Union, which is developing a new LEED-certified, environmentally-friendly headquarters, participated in the new development by providing a unique bus wrap to call attention to the environmentally friendly and technologically-advanced bus. Called “Island Paradise,” the signature artwork is a perfect fit to highlight the new bus.

The CNG hybrid bus will travel all over the MTS network, providing commuters the opportunity to experience the new technology.

The CNG-Hybrid is expected to result in:

• Significantly greater fuel economy than standard CNG buses
• Reduced NOx emission over standard CNG buses
• Reduced CO2 emissions
• Quieter operation than CNG buses

Go Green and Ride MTS! For further information on other MTS For Earth efforts, click here.