Collegiate Times

Blacksburg Transit took over the plaza neighboring Squires Student Center Thursday to unveil a new wrap for its line of hybrid buses.

The wrap, released as a part of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg’s Sustainability Week, featured a “go green” theme designed to act as an inspiration for designs on other hybrid electric vehicles.

“We’re progressing so much faster than I ever thought was possible,” said Bill Claus, president of Sustainable Blacksburg.

The nonprofit organization worked with Tech and the BT to make hybrid electric buses in Blacksburg possible.  

“I’m very proud of this community,” Claus said.

Claus and his staff formulated the concept that hybrid electric vehicles burning biodiesel would be ideal in meeting the goal of the organization. The BT turned this idea into a reality.

“The Blacksburg Transit and Virginia Tech are both doing their part to reduce the carbon footprint,” said Ron Rordam, Blacksburg’s mayor.  

The buses were purchased over the summer to reduce both costs and carbon emissions. The BT purchased seven 40-foot hybrid electric buses that will hold about 80 passengers each. They also purchased two additional 60-foot articulated buses than can hold up to 120 passengers each.

All of the hybrid electric buses contain batteries that line the top of the vehicle, along with a diesel system that kicks in at high speeds. This will also lower operations and maintenance costs in the future, according to Rordam.

“Not only are we doing the right thing, but we’re saving money,” Rordam said.

Steve Mouras, Tech’s director of transportation, supported Tech’s relationship with the BT, noting Tech students, faculty and staff make up 97 percent of the BT’s ridership. Also, Mouras said Tech invested $16 million into this specific project.    

“These hybrid buses are an example of the next step forward,” Mouras said.

A version of this article appeared in the Sep 24 issue of the Collegiate Times.