CTA's first hybrid bus bought with stimulus funds

The Chicago Transit Authority has its first articulated hybrid bus paid for with federal stimulus funds.

The CTA plans to buy a total of 58 such buses with around $50 million of federal funds. That's part of nearly $250 million in federal stimulus money set aside for the cash-strapped agency.

Once the 57 other buses arrive by this fall, the CTA will have a total of 208 articulated hybrid buses. Officials say that'll save more than $7 million annually in fuel and maintenance costs.

Hybrid buses are quieter and cleaner than conventional buses.

The new buses also have electrical outlets that enable bus batteries to be charged overnight. That reduces the need for idling in cold weather. And that, in turn, saves gas and cuts down on emissions