State debuts new hydrogen bus

Hamden, Conn (WTNH) - Giving seniors and the disabled a ride while going green at the same time. On Tuesday, the state launched its first hydrogen bus.

It is the first of its kind in Connecticut. It's the first bus to serve just seniors, and it is perfectly outfitted for their needs.

A short test-run received rave reviews Tuesday.

"Nice and quiet, air-conditioned, it's nice. I like it. They should make more like that. Get rid of the other buses," Hamden resident George Mastroianni said.

What most noticed was what wasn't there. There's no noise. It's a hydrogen-powered bus. There's a battery inside that's charged up at night. When it runs low during the day, hydrogen runs the fuel cell, which then recharges the battery while in use, giving it extended mileage. No gasoline needed.

"Trying to take our country off of fossil fuels and move to an alternative-fueled vehicle. This is the very beginning, a very small step, but I think an important one," said Donna Carter, Executive Director of the Greater New Haven Transit District.

And on hand for the big reveal, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, Governor Dannel Malloy, and local politicians, like Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson.

"This is Hamden. This is the home of Eli Whitney. We believe in innovation here," Jackson said.

All highlighting the importance of a cleaner, greener bus.

"We have an obligation to do everything in our power to make for a better environment, and do so in as cost-effective manner as possible," Governor Malloy said.

The governor said that this is larger than one bus. It's proof that environmentally-friendly projects can be commercially viable, and our state is leading the charge.

Last week, we were awarded $5.8 million for green job development out of $30 million given out nationwide. For those who ride this bus on a regular basis, who use the shopping shuttle to keep their independence, it's really about the convenience, and the comfort.

"I love it. I love it because right now I use a cane, and so the kneeling bus makes it easier to get on and off," said Hamden resident Mary Lee Bolton.

The bus was paid for with federal and state grant money.