San Joaquin Regional Transit District - RTD's Hybrid Buses

RTD's Hybrid Buses

In 2006, RTD led a consortium of 11 transit agencies in purchasing 157 GM diesel-electric hybrid buses consisting of eight other California transit authorities, RTC RIDE (formerly Citifare) of Reno, Nevada, and ABQ RIDE of Albuquerque, New Mexico. ABQ RIDE eventually backed out of the consortium, choosing to order buses directly from New Flyer instead. San Joaquin RTD's first low-emission hybrid bus was delivered and introduced into service in 2004. In September 2007, RTD had 33 hybrid buses, representing 30% of its full-size Metro fleet. RTD chose hybrid buses because they use an electric motor and a smaller diesel engine to save fuel and protect the environment. RTD’s low-emission hybrid buses reduce carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) up to 90%, and oxides of nitrogen (Nox) up to 50%.

At the present time RTD has several different configurations of its Gillig Advantage Diesel/Electric Hybrid buses

The 6000 series is currently the buses being operated on RTD's Metro Express Route 40. These buses produced by Gillig have been specifically designed for Bus Rapid Transit. They have a unique design to distinguish them from other RTD coaches. The 6000 series buses have a low floor special design that is wider in the front of the coach to create easier access for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users board the coach using a ramp deployed out the front door. These buses also have a wider rear door for faster boarding/exiting.

The 6200 series is RTD's 29-foot (8.8 m) configuration of the hybrid bus. These buses have one door for entering/exiting.

The 6300 series is RTD's 35-foot (11 m) low floor configuration of the hybrid bus. These buses have dual door access for boarding and alighting.

The 6400 series is RTD's 40-foot (12 m) low floor configuration of the hybrid bus. These buses have dual door access for boarding and alighting.

These hybrid buses are equipped with Continental-Siemens TransitMaster CAD\AVL technology which provides ADA-compliant voice announcement and interior LED destination signs. For passenger and operator safety, the buses are equipped with GE Digital Security cameras. Hybrid bus headsigns are produced by TwinVision. Each hybrid bus is equipped with bike racks for two bikes.