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Politics & Government

Pace to Debut Hybrid Buses in Highland Park

Two greener buses will now join the Pace fleet for service within Highland Park, as well as in Deerfield, Highwood and Northbrook.

Public transit will get a little greener in Highland Park. Pace will debut two 30-foot buses Tuesday afternoon that utilize a diesel-electric hybrid engine.

The engines of these new busest can be switched from a diesel engine to an electric motor, which generates virtually no carbon emissions.

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"The City [of Highland Park] has consistently been very supportive of our efforts to bring green technology into our fleet and bringing these first hybrids to Highland Park is symbolic of a great working relationship between Pace and the City that spans more than 35 years," said Patrick Wilmot, manager of media relations at Pace Suburban Bus, in an email.

These environmental efforts coincide with "hybrid paratransit vehicles operating in the west and northwest suburbs," according to a press release from Pace.

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Today's 2:30 p.m. event, hosted at the City of Highland Park Public Works building, will feature remarks from U.S. Representative Robert Dold, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rodkin Rotering, and Pace Chairman of the Board Richard Kwasneski.

"As a community dedicated to sustainable practices, we are appreciative of Pace's continued partnership with us in working to improve their fleet's impact on our environment." Mayor Rotering told Patch in an email.

Meanwhile the manufacturer of the buses estimates a 25 percent improvement in fuel economy over existing diesel buses, according to Wilmot.

"We’re going to keep a close eye on how much fuel we save in different situations so that we can try to maximize the savings," he said.

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