Briefly in the news

The Orange County Transportation Authority became the West Coast’s

first transit agency to put a hybrid electric transit bus into commercial

service.

The bus, which hit the street Thursday, uses a specially designed

powertrain that significantly reduces emissions. Fitted with a catalyzed

particulate filter, the bus produces much lower hydrocarbon and carbon

monoxide pollution than typical diesel buses.

Costa Mesa ranks No. 2 among Orange County cities in overall mass

transit ridership.

Designed by a division of General Motors, the bus was built by

Canadian manufacturer New Flyer of America, which is based in Winnipeg,

Manitoba.

The bus has been approved by the South Coast Air Quality Management

District.