The blue hump-backed Tri-met bus Number 3054 sitting on the Portland Community College Cascade campus is both a good ride and a symbol.

3054 is one of 4 new hybrid buses in the Tri-met fleet.  General Manager Neil McFarlane says they'll run the 72 line.  "It is actually propelled by an electric motor.  The diesel engine on the bus actually runs a generator that charges the batteries."

The new bus is expensive, about 600-thousand dollars per bus, but also economical to operate and it spits out less ashtma causing emissions. Which prompted Carmen Rubio of the Latino Network to say "the healthy benefits of sustainable transit are finally accessible to not only hybrid car owners but the neighbor, transit rider and pedestrian."

Bus drivers want to be sure the buses - larger than current buses can be driven safely.