2006年VOA标准英语-Mass Transit Companies Moving to Hybrid Bu

By Mil Arcega
Washington, DC
28 April 2006
 
watch Mass Transit¹ report
 

Metrobus powered by hybrid³ electric technology  
  
Bus companies in the United States are reporting an increase in ridership as high fuel costs motivate more Americans to leave their cars at home.  As Mil Arcega reports, fuel costs are also encouraging transit operators to explore alternative fuel sources and new technologies.

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In Washington DC, commuters say the Metro² stations appear more crowded than usual. One rider says, "It's usually empty about this time but the Metro train was packed today."

And with gasoline prices reaching new highs, some Americans say they're driving less. Another person says he is changing his driving habits as a result of the high cost of gas, "I mean the price is outrageous⁴.  It's definitely having an impact on my driving habits, no question."

Across the United States, transit companies are reporting increased ridership, as much as 20 percent in one midwestern state.  

Jack⁵ Requa   
  
Jack Requa, the chief operating officer at the Washington Metropolitan⁶ Transportation Authority says there is an obvious increase in ridership.

It's too soon to say if the increase is due to high gasoline prices but he says oil prices, now hovering⁷ above $71 a barrel, are having an impact on everyone. 

"If it went to $70 dollars, it can go to $80; the dependency, the supply are all in question.  Costs are huge and getting bigger.  I think people need to look at alternatives not only in fuels but also in modes of transportation."

That's one of the reasons why the Washington mass transit system has begun testing new hybrid buses.  Running on a combination of electricity and diesel⁸, the new buses cost about $200,000 more but offer greater fuel economy and dramatically lower emissions⁹ than conventional buses.

Mr. Requa says, "It does cost more, but we are committed to trying to reduce emissions, reduce fuel costs. Reduce dependency on foreign oil, and it seems to be the technology of the day to do that.

1 transit   

n.经过，运输；vt.穿越，旋转；vi.越过

参考例句：

• His luggage was lost in transit.他的行李在运送中丢失。
• The canal can transit a total of 50 ships daily.这条运河每天能通过50条船。

2 metro   

n.地铁；adj.大都市的；(METRO)麦德隆(财富500强公司之一总部所在地德国，主要经营零售)

参考例句：

• Can you reach the park by metro?你可以乘地铁到达那个公园吗？
• The metro flood gate system is a disaster prevention equipment.地铁防淹门系统是一种防灾设备。

3 hybrid   

n.(动，植）杂种，混合物

参考例句：

• That is a hybrid perpetual rose.那是一株杂交的四季开花的蔷薇。
• The hybrid was tall,handsome,and intelligent.那混血儿高大、英俊、又聪明。

4 outrageous   

adj.无理的，令人不能容忍的

参考例句：

• Her outrageous behaviour at the party offended everyone.她在聚会上的无礼行为触怒了每一个人。
• Charges for local telephone calls are particularly outrageous.本地电话资费贵得出奇。

5 jack   

n.插座，千斤顶，男人；v.抬起，提醒，扛举；n.（Jake）杰克

参考例句：

• I am looking for the headphone jack.我正在找寻头戴式耳机插孔。
• He lifted the car with a jack to change the flat tyre.他用千斤顶把车顶起来换下瘪轮胎。

6 metropolitan   

adj.大城市的，大都会的

参考例句：

• Metropolitan buildings become taller than ever.大城市的建筑变得比以前更高。
• Metropolitan residents are used to fast rhythm.大都市的居民习惯于快节奏。

7 hovering   

鸟( hover的现在分词 )； 靠近（某事物）； （人）徘徊； 犹豫

参考例句：

• The helicopter was hovering about 100 metres above the pad. 直升机在离发射台一百米的上空盘旋。
• I'm hovering between the concert and the play tonight. 我犹豫不决今晚是听音乐会还是看戏。

8 diesel   

n.柴油发动机，内燃机

参考例句：

• We experimented with diesel engines to drive the pumps.我们试着用柴油机来带动水泵。
• My tractor operates on diesel oil.我的那台拖拉机用柴油开动。

9 emissions   

排放物( emission的名词复数 )； 散发物（尤指气体）

参考例句：

• Most scientists accept that climate change is linked to carbon emissions. 大多数科学家都相信气候变化与排放的含碳气体有关。
• Dangerous emissions radiate from plutonium. 危险的辐射物从钚放散出来。