A $6.6 million grant from the Department of Transportation is helping Pittsburgh add its first six hybrid buses, along with 14 additional conventional coaches, to the Port Authority of Allegheny County’s bus system.

The Port Authority Board originally approved the purchase of six Gillig hybrids, which use the GM-Allison hybrid system, in November 2003.

The hybrid electric buses are scheduled to be delivered in late 2004 or early 2005.

The Authority began operating five CNG buses in 1991, and the operation of the new hybrid electric buses will help Port Authority determine the future propulsion system for Port Authority’s fleet.