Residents of Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities can take a greener ride.

In its ongoing effort toward a cleaner environment, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority (AATA) intends to replace its entire bus fleet with hybrid electric buses beginning in October 2007.

TheRide is replacing 15 buses in October 2007, another 5 buses in March 2008 and 7 more within the next 18 months with clean, efficient hybrid electric technology. Over the long term, all of its 69 buses will be replaced with hybrid electric buses. AATA is the first public transit operator in the Midwest to state its intention to convert to all hybrid electric buses.

With the introduction of these environmentally-friendly buses, the AATA continues its tradition of leadership in adopting new technology to improve transit service for the 5.6 million annual riders and the community. Just the initial purchase will make the portion of AATA's fleet that is hybrid electric the largest in the Midwest.