日: 2005年3月9日

NPSのDaily Reportによるとヴァレー内のシャトルバスが４月からハイブリッドシステムを搭載した新型車にリプレイスされるらしく、１号車が昨日到着したようです。燃費の大幅な改善と有害物質や騒音の削減ができるということです。
The 1st of 18 new hybrid electric shuttle buses will be arriving in Yosemite Valley today. The remaining 17 will be delivered to the park over the course of the next two months. The new hybrid fleet will replace the existing fleet of 1986 diesel buses currently servicing the in-Valley shuttle route. Hybrid electric propulsion technology, which was built by General Motors Allison Transmission Division, will significantly reduce fuel consumption (by up to 55%), harmful emissions (by up to 90%),? and vehicle noise. The 1st bus will be used to train drivers and mechanics, so it won’t see visitor service until April; however, the good folks who operate and maintain the shuttle system (Delaware North Company) will be happy to show it off to interested park employees. Be on the lookout for the new white and green “Yosemite Shuttle” bus with the battery pack on the roof !? (M. Wichmann – 3/8/05)?????