BROOME COUNTY UNVEILS NEW ELECTRIC HYBRID BUSES
Broome County announced it has deployed three new buses using electric–hybrid technology produced by the BAE Systems plant in Endicott. The company last Thursday held a ribbon-cutting event to mark the occasion. Pictured, from left to right, are: Tanya Husick, executive director of transportation and parking services at Binghamton University; Gregory Kilmer, commissioner of the department of public transportation for Broome County; Steve Trichka, VP and general manager for power and propulsion solutions at BAE Systems; Broome County Executive Jason Garnar; and Stephen J. Flagg, Broome County Legislator for district 1. (Photo credit: BAE Systems)
Broome County announced it has deployed three new buses using electric–hybrid technology that BAE Systems produces.
In recognition of Broome County Transit “continuing to go green,” the company’s Endicott location hosted a ribbon-cutting event last Thursday to mark the bus deployment.
Broome County purchased the buses using grant money from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Buses and Bus Facilities program. The Broome County Department of Public Transportation was awarded the $2 million grant in 2018. The grant program offers funding to state and direct recipients to replace, rehabilitate and purchase buses and related equipment and to construct bus-related facilities.
“We are excited to announce the implementation of these new electric-hybrid buses which are the most sophisticated, cleanest and fuel efficient in our fleet,” Greg Kilmer, Broome County Transit Commissioner, said. “BAE Systems’ technology will allow us to operate in full-electric, zero-emission mode when driving through the most densely populated areas in Broome County. I offer many thanks to our local, state and federal representatives for their continued support for public transportation.”
About the power system
BAE Systems’ technology will help Broome County reduce fuel usage and carbon emissions, the firm said in a release. The new buses are equipped with BAE Systems’ series-ER (electric range) power and propulsion system. The hybrid system — which is electrically driven — “saves fuel, emissions and decreases maintenance of mechanical parts,” BAE said.
The series-ER systems are produced at the company’s manufacturing plant in Endicott.
BAE Systems says it has been working on the development and integration of electric propulsion and accessory systems for transit buses for more than 20 years.
Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia., BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, a global defense, security and aerospace company. Its website says the firm employs nearly 86,000 globally. That figure includes more than 1,300 employees in Endicott, per a company spokesman.