FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City's New Hybrid Truck Drives Into Mall
HAMILTON, ON – May 16, 2005 – The City’s Public Works Department is very pleased to have its first hybrid truck on display at Lime Ridge Mall, Tuesday, May 17 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., as part of Hamilton’s Public Works Week celebrations. This truck is another small but important step in Hamilton’s efforts to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Hamilton is a leader among Canadian municipalities. The City has 15 hybrid vehicles in its fleet to-date, and has identified additional vehicles that could be replaced over the next three years to integrate more hybrid vehicles into the existing fleet.
“We are very pleased with the savings that have been achieved to-date through the use of hybrid vehicles,” said Scott Stewart, General Manager of Public Works. “We bought many of these units almost three years ago and have found them to be reliable and capable of considerable fuel cost savings. That translates into less pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The City of Hamilton operates approximately 1,400 motor vehicles. Of this fleet, Public Works operates approximately two-thirds. Public Works’ staff has been educated to “turn off the engine and save” as another method of reducing fuel use and air pollution.
Staff works with ETV Canada, an agency of Environment Canada to ensure that new products claiming to reduce environmental impact are properly validated and certified in order to be considered for use in Hamilton’s Central Fleet.
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Media Contact:
Chris Hill
Manager of Central Fleet,
Public Works Department
905-546-2424 ext. 4593