Profile of a Patriot

Through the Lugar Energy Patriot, Senator Lugar profiles a student, professional, scholar, or member of the business community who has demonstrated leadership and initiative in taking concrete action to improve America's energy security. In addition to the profile posted here, individuals will receive a certificate designating them Lugar Energy Patriots, and a letter of congratulations.

Marty Sennett
General Manager,
Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (CityBus) 

Replacing old buses is a routine part of Marty Sennett’s job as general manager of the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (CityBus).  But there is nothing ordinary about two of the buses added to the City Bus fleet in March 2007 – they’re equipped with hybrid diesel-electric technology.

To riders in the Lafayette-West Lafayette community, the 35-feet-long blue and white buses with European body styling might not look significantly different, absent the puff of black smoke that typically trails a bus as it pulls away from the stop.   Their added benefits, however, are many including lower emissions and reduced fuel use. 

“It helps us lower our fuel budget which enables us to provide more service to the community,” said Marty.

The buses combine hybrid technology with a diesel-fueled engine.  Electric power is stored in a 900-volt rechargeable battery housed on the roof of the bus and used during initial acceleration which eliminates the puff of black smoke that trails standard diesel engines.  The diesel-powered engine provides energy after initial acceleration, reducing the amount of fuel used.  The battery is recharged during de-acceleration, using the momentum of the bus to regenerate electric power. 

The smaller engine and energy storage system also reduce emissions noise, engine wear and brake maintenance. 

The investment in hybrid technology benefits not only the residents of the Lafayette-West Lafayette community, but also Indiana companies.  GM Allison Transmission of Indianapolis makes the hybrid drive units and Cummins Engine of Columbus builds the engines. 

Marty believes these benefits justify the cost.  The hybrid buses cost $489,000 each compared to $294,000 for a standard diesel bus. 

The new buses are part of CityBus’s ongoing efforts to provide safe and reliable transportation services and meet the growing demand for public transportation in the area.  When Marty joined CityBus in 1984 there were 22 buses in the fleet that carried one million riders. Today, there are 70 buses carrying 4.3 million riders.

Marty hopes that expanded bus routes will boost use of public transit and take cars off the road –improving congestion, air pollution and energy consumption.  For the moment, Lafayette riders can look for the two cleaner, more fuel efficient buses that Marty hopes one day will characterize the entire fleet. 

The hybrid buses in Lafayette are an investment in energy independence that goes beyond the Lafayette area.  “If we become energy independent, our international policy could change for the better,” Marty said.

Senator Lugar agrees. That is why we congratulate Marty on being our April Lugar Energy Patriot.