MTA New York City Transit (Bus):

DesignLine Olymbus MK-IV HEV Demonstrator

New York City Transit tested a 35-foot DesignLine hybrid turbine-powered bus (nominally numbered 9900) from New Zealand in October 2007. The bus's exterior design is probably its most prominent feature -- the large wraparound windshield, its frameless and tinted windows, and its general odd, un-buslike shape make this vehicle stand out to the passersby. A green, blue and silver paint scheme adorns the exterior of the bus, identical to that of the Wachovia Bank.

The DesignLine hybrid also features a turbine-powered hybrid engine, providing for a nearly silent ride (not to mention double the fuel efficiency of the standard Orion VII hybrid bus.) The interior has such amenities as soft plush seats (not likely to be included should the MTA order such buses in large quantities), an interior LED sign, and a LCD monitor that has the capability to display important information.

The DesignLine hybrid went into service in October 2007 on the M42 crosstown route. After 30 days of testing in Manhattan, it went to MTA Bus Baisley Park depot for another 30-day evaluation period.

NB: All photos below were taken on 2007.10.15.
Exterior Photos
image view 9900 is seen stopped at 42nd Street and United Nations Plaza, at the east end of the M42 route. The bus has just discharged its passengers.
image view Rear door side view of 9900; note the Wachovia Bank paint scheme and the North Carolina license plate.
image view 9900 is seen at the eastern end of 42nd Street, turning onto the FDR Drive service road.
image view 9900 can be seen turning off of the FDR service road and onto 41st Street, where it will begin its westbound journey to 42nd Street Pier on the West Side.
image view A rear driver side view of 9900, proceeding up 41st Street to the first westbound M42 stop. Note the yellow MTA Bridges & Tunnels van on the right.
image view 9900 is seen laying over on 41st Street, with an RTS in the background and an Orion VII at right. 9900's destination sign was illuminated when I captured this photo, but unfortunately its refresh rate prevents it from being seen in the image.
image view A closer view of 9900 on 41st Street.
image view 9900 is seen at 41st Street and 1st Avenue. It will turn right on 1st to proceed back to 42nd. Again, the destination sign did not show up in this photo.
image view A rear view, turning onto 1st Avenue.
image view Front door side view of 9900.
Interior Photos
image view Interior view of 9900, looking from the back. Note the LCD monitor.
image view It's got a sunroof!
image view Inside 9900, looking a bit towards the right.
image view The rather "luxurious" seats. Luckily, they haven't been defaced yet.