Metro introduces six new hybrid buses, starting with a sneak peek on Dec. 16 | Transportation

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19)  -- Metro has a big “green” gift for the community this holiday season… six new hybrid buses, with eight more on the way!

The first six new hybrids will go into service on Monday, Dec. 19 and will replace older diesel buses that are past their useful life. Eight more will be put into service by early 2012.

Three of the new hybrids will be on public display on Friday, Dec. 16 on Fifth Street, between Walnut and Main Street, from 10 - 11 a.m.

The new hybrid buses were purchased with funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Clean & Green and Next Generation programs, the Federal Transit Administration's Clean Fuels program, federal earmarks and the City of Cincinnati’s Transit Fund.

The 14 new hybrids will more than double Metro’s hybrid fleet. With the addition of the buses next month, Metro will have a total of 27 hybrid buses in service in 2012.

In 2011, Metro’s hybrids reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 823 tons.

Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing more than 17 million rides per year. For Metro news, join us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/goMetro and follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cincinnatimetro.