Connecticut debuts new hydrogen powered bus

Connecticut debuts new hydrogen powered bus

July 8, 2011 0 By Bret Williams

The city of Hamden, Connecticut, is getting a new hydrogen powered bus that will help the disabled and elderly get around town.

It is the first of its kind in the state and the first to cater specifically to the needs of seniors and the disabled. Connecticut officials have been focusing more on hydrogen fuel to account for the state’s energy needs. Legislators have been pushing for more incentives for fuel cell manufacturers to move to the state, hoping to establish a solid hydrogen infrastructure.

The bus has already done a few tours of Hamden. One of the first things passengers noticed while riding the bus was the almost complete lack of noise.

“It’s nice and quiet,” says George Mastoianni, a Hamden resident. “I like it. They should make more like that and get rid of the other buses.”

According to Congresswoman Rosa Delauro, this is but a small step in the state’s contribution to the nation’s energy independence. Indeed, Connecticut is poised to lead the charge of energy independence. The state was just awarded a $5.8 million grant from the federal government to expand its “green jobs” sector, which include, in no small part, a hydrogen infrastructure.

State officials are lauding the new hydrogen powered bus as an example that hydrogen fuel is a viable alternative to oil. Despite the skepticism surrounding fuel cells, the state will continue to pursue hydrogen as is primary focus of alternative fuel.

 

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