What do you think of when you hear the words “Huskie Bus”? Perhaps you think crowded, smelly or slow. Or maybe, it’s the big plumes of suffocating black diesel smoke pouring out the top of the exhaust stack and the gruff, deathly rattle emanating from the engine compartment. Then of course, there’s the uncomfortable ride, with all the noise and jerking with each transmission shift. And let’s not even get started on fuel costs. With diesel hovering around $2.60 per gallon and transit buses receiving well under 10 miles per gallon, we’re talking about a lot of money.

Buses are not bad. They provide a crucial service to our school and community, and set a standard in university transportation. The fact that they’re often crowded may be unavoidable, but the environmental concerns can be addressed with one bold move. I propose that the Huskie Bus Line follows the example of NIU’s University Police and invest in hybrid vehicles.

I don’t think they should replace each bus with a Toyota Prius. It may surprise you that transit buses are now being built with hybrid power-trains, producing most of the same desirable effects we see in cars with similar systems. Cities across the nation are beginning to use these buses for public transportations service and are seeing positive results.

One of the most common hybrid bus systems comes from GM. It uses a GM-owned Allison transmission which, connected to a conventional diesel engine, runs an electric generator. This electricity is either stored for later use or powers an electric motor at each wheel.

The benefits are impressive. According to AllisonTransmission.com, its hybrid system receives up to a 60 percent increase in fuel efficiency. It also results in a 90 percent decrease in emissions from exhaust. The sound level inside has been reduced to that of an average passenger car, and because of the unique transmission design, shifts are nearly imperceptible. If you’re used to them having the acceleration of a Geo Metro, you’ll have to adjust. The electric motors produce more torque, meaning a 50 percent increase in acceleration.

What it really comes down to is money. The funds that run the Huskie Bus Line come from our student fees, so we should be concerned with how they’re spent. According to hybridcenter.org, a standard transit bus costs about $300,000, while one with a hybrid power-train is closer to $500,000. That’s a large price offset – but don’t give up on me yet. Federal and state funding have covered much of this cost for most transit companies purchasing a hybrid bus. I don’t think we as students would have to worry about an increase in our fees, at least not because of transportation.

When the time comes around for a new Huskie Bus to be purchased, I hope those in charge will factor hybrids into their options. It would show a concern for our environment, as well as helping to set a trend for those around us and across the nation. While the Huskie Bus Line is a leader in university transportation, the addition of hybrid buses would help to cement this image even further.