We Need a Song or a Play or Something...

Tennessee Williams wrote "A Streetcar Named Desire." Steve Goodman wrote a song about a train called "They City of New Orleans" (made famous by Arlo Guthrie). Gordon Lightfoot wrote a song about a boat called "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." However, Willie Nelson has not, to my knowledge, come up with a song about biodiesel. And I don't think anyone has written anything artistic about hybrid buses. BUT THEY SHOULD because we have big news here SEPTA-land.

From the inbox:

Members of the Southeastern Pennsylvania congressional delegation announced today the awarding of a $2.45 million Department of Transportation grant for SEPTA to purchase hybrid diesel/electric buses. SEPTA currently has a fleet of 32 diesel/electric vehicles, used in daily route service.

The hybrid bus reduces emissions in the following areas: carbon monoxide 80%, nitrous oxide 5.5%, hydrocarbons 44%, particulate matter 31%, and carbon dioxide 38%. In addition to emission superiority, the hybrids have achieved 29% greater gas mileage, superior brake lining and faster acceleration.

“SEPTA greatly appreciates the congressional delegation's support for this acquisition of these hybrid buses, especially at a time when there is great emphasis on green and clean fuel, as well as increased ridership due to the enormous increases in gasoline prices,” said Richard Maloney, SEPTA senior press relations officer.

Area members of Congress highlighted the importance of this grant:

“With energy efficiency at the top of everyone’s agenda and public transit ridership increasing sharply, this is welcome news – a boon to SEPTA, its riders and for our entire region,” said Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA).

"With gas prices at an all time high - and rising, it should be clear to everyone that mass transit is more important than ever. That's why our regional delegation is working so hard as a team to improve transit in the Southeast PA region,” said Congressman Bob Brady (D-PA).

“Additional hybrid buses will not only help SEPTA reduce its oil consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, but it sets the standard for ushering in a new way of thinking on public transit that is cleaner, more efficient and lowers costs,” said Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz (D-PA).

“At a time when families and businesses are hurting from the record cost of gas and turning to SEPTA, these cost-effective and fuel-efficient buses will arrive just in time. I am proud that we were able to work together to deliver a green energy solution to the commuters of Southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-PA).

“This is excellent news that bolsters our area's environmental and energy security,” said Congressman Sestak (D-PA). “Having buses that get better gas mileage and decrease our dependence on oil for automobiles is an effective way of addressing our energy crisis while enhancing public transportation.”

No word on the details of the grant, if there is a match required and who would have to pay it, or when the buses will actually arrive. Even so, this is big news and good news. Kudos to our regional congressional delegation for working together on this and bringing home some bacon that will be a real help to SEPTA, bus riders, and area air quality. Good work all around, folks!