We have been in Denver now for 6 days - where did it all go? I have seen a lot of neat things - but by far my favorite are the hybrid buses.
Denver has made 16th Street into a walking mall. The only allowed to drive on the mall are the hybrid buses.
"Buses powered by GM's advanced hybrid propulsion technology deliver significantly better fuel economy than traditional buses and produce up to 60 percent fewer oxides of nitrogen emissions and 90 percent fewer particulate, hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions. Other benefits of the buses include reduced maintenance costs resulting from extended brake, engine oil and transmission oil life; providing 50 percent faster acceleration compared with conventional diesel buses, and operational sound levels approaching that of passenger cars."
In common language - the buses are quiet - clean - and uses less fuel. They are easier to take care of. The diesel engine runs at an idle at roughly 1000 RPM's. You hear none of the rough acceleration or engine brake noise. There are no big puffs of black smoke - as a matter of fact - I did not see nor smell any smoke at all.
The diesel engine is hooked up to a generator that makes electricity which is stored in a battery. The battery is hooked up to electric motors inside the wheels.
The buses go up and down 16th Street all day - one bus comes roughly every 2 minutes. The buses stop at every street corner.
Sidewalk restaurant tables line the street. When the buses go by quietly less than 8 feet from your head while you dine - there is not a bit of odor to ruin your lunch.
Finally - the best thing - you ride the buses for free.
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