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NEWS RELEASE

September 15, 2008

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County Executive Ulman Introduces First Hybrid Bus and Bus Service Improvements

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Ken Ulman today introduced the County’s first diesel-electric hybrid buses. Ulman previewed one of the new Howard Transit buses for a group of transit and environmental advocates in front of the County Office Complex, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.

“This is one more milestone in Howard County’s efforts to reduce fuel consumption, reduce our carbon footprint and be overall good stewards of the environment,” said Ulman.

Based on industry testing, the County anticipates that the new diesel-electric hybrid buses will consume about 35 percent less fuel than a comparable diesel vehicle and cost between 30 and 50 percent less for maintenance and repairs. The amount of tailpipe emissions will also be significantly reduced.

In addition to cost savings and environmental benefits, the new buses have a number of features to make bus riding more convenient and comfortable including a bike rack, automated bus stop announcements and a “low-floor” entrance so that persons with disabilities can access the bus using a ramp rather than a wheelchair lift.

Today County Executive Ulman also announced Howard Transit service enhancements to begin on October 6. The changes include increased frequency of service, later hours of operation and the addition of Saturday service on several of Howard Transit’s most heavily used routes.

“Providing efficient and convenient public transit is one of the most effective ways of reducing pollution and reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said Mr. Ulman.