Town of Warwick acquires hybrid vehicle for Dial-A-Bus service

WARWICK — On Friday, June 28, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, members of the Town Board, Supervisor of Transportation Jennifer Crover, and head driver Donna Palaj unveiled a brand new hybrid diesel-electric bus, which will be used for the town’s Dial-Bus-Service.

On the previous day, Orange County unveiled 15 new hybrid diesel-electric busses, the first hybrid transit buses in Orange County to be used by public transit operators, that were acquired through Federal Transit Administration funding to replace older models in Newburgh (six new buses), Kiryas Joel (five buses), Middletown (three) and the Town of Warwick.

The new bus, which uses both a diesel engine and an electric motor similar to that used for hybrid automobiles, was manufactured by The Gillig Corporation. It is expected to be 25 percent more efficient and provide a smoother and quieter ride than a conventional bus.

The hybrid diesel-electric bus can accommodate 28 passengers and two wheelchairs. It is also fitted with a bicycle rack in the front. And the low floor design in the front of the bus includes a ramp, which can be extended for wheelchairs, providing a large vestibule for quick and easy entry.

“This economical and environmentally friendly bus is a great improvement for our Dial-A-Bus service,” Sweeton said, “and the cost to the town has not increased since I first assumed this office 12 years ago.”

Funding for 13 of the buses was reimbursed 100 percent by the FTA with funding provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The remaining two buses were reimbursed with 80 percent FTA funding matched by New York State and the public operator.

Information about Dial-A-Bus reservations, charges and scheduled service is available at www.townofwarwick.org.