No, it’s not your imagination: the new Key West Transit bus is green! The City’s new hybrid hits the road on Thursday, another step toward reducing our carbon footprint. The hybrid’s diesel/electric power train promises to not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but save money on fuel and on maintenance.

The system takes advantage of the stop and go nature of public transit for its efficiency. The electric motor kicks in for acceleration after a stop, and when the drivers slows into the next stop, the bus is charging the electric motor.

“We are excited with this new addition to our fleet,” said Transit Director Norman Whitaker. “Public transportation is already a green choice. This hybrid enhances our efforts to protect our environment.”