Pictured L to R: Congressman George Miller, CCC Supervisor Gayle Uilkema, Martinez Mayor Rob Schroder, CCCTA Board member and MTC Commissioner, Amy Worth, and Gillig VP of Marketing Joe Policarpio
Concord, Calif. – On Saturday, April 24th Contra Costa residents got a sneak peak at County Connection’s first hybrid electric buses before they officially go into service. County Connection hosted a “green” event at Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek. Visitors could check out the new bus, and take a test ride to experience first hand the smooth, quiet ride. Additionally, attendees visited over twenty earth friendly exhibitor booths, youth activity booths, entertainment venues, and competed for raffle prizes.
Speakers included Gayle Uilkema, Contra Costa County Supervisor and County Connection’s Board Chair, Congressman George Miller, County Connection Board member and MTC Commissioner Amy Worth, and Joe Policarpio, Vice President of Marketing for Gillig, manufacturer of the new buses.
The new hybrid buses will provide fuel savings of up to 20%, with a comparable reduction in CO2 emissions. County Connection will receive nine hybrid electric buses in total, and expects to add them into regular service the first week in May.
County Connection operates a fleet of 29 ft., 35 ft., and 40 ft. fully accessible fixed-route buses, and a fleet of 63 paratransit vehicles, carrying nearly 5,000,000 passengers each year.