Azure Dynamics Corporation (Azure Dynamics) has sold five Balance Hybrid Electric buses to Votran, the transit entity for Volusia county, Florida. Votran is managed by the national firm McDonald Transit Associates, Inc. The vehicles utilized a 22 foot Turtle Top Odyssey body and are enough to accommodate 14 passengers or four wheelchairs or various combinations of the two. Votran expects delivery in the fourth quarter 2009 and will integrate the buses into its county-wide paratransit service.
“We were able to use FTA stimulus funds to cover 100% of the cost of the vehicles,” said Ken Fischer, McDonald Transit General Manager at Votran. “These are our first hybrid electric vehicles and we’re excited to put them into service. McDonald Transit manages numerous vehicle fleets across the nation and is actively pursuing hybrid electric and other alternative energy technologies. We hope to lower operational costs and greenhouse emissions while continuing to provide reliable, predictable service for our customers across the nation.”
“Volusia County includes Daytona Beach and stretches to suburban Orlando,” continued Fischer. “People choose to live and vacation here for our incredible natural resources, so it is important that we do everything within our power to protect our shared environment. The Azure BalanceTM Hybrid Electric buses are part of the solution.”
Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics VP of Sales, said, “We’re thrilled that our buses will service the needs of Voltran and McDonald Transit passengers. Azure’s BalanceTM Hybrid Electric is the ideal solution for transit providers who are trying to make an environmentally conscious statement while also reaping the cost rewards associated with our technology.”
The Azure BalanceTM Hybrid Electric system specified by Votran has unique attributes like engine-off at idle and at below 20 miles per hour, while electronically supporting key ancillary functions like air conditioning, power steering and braking. The drive train, with a Ford 5.4L engine, can improve fuel economy considerably while reducing carbon emission by up to 30% in city conditions. The drive train also offers a significant reduction in maintenance costs including up to 75% reduction in brake maintenance versus conventionally equipped competitors.
McDonald Transit provides management services at 30 locations in 16 states. First Class Coach Sales of Orlando managed the sale. First Class Coach has been named the Turtle Top dealer of the year several times.