Belleville Transit is set to enhance its fleet with three new hybrid buses, the first of which is due to arrive this week and become operational by the end of May. Transit Supervisor Brad Strauss, after final inspections in Crookston, Minnesota, emphasized the environmental friendliness and fuel efficiency of these new buses. The ability to shut down when idle, run on battery power, and reduce emissions make them a cleaner option. The city's $3.5 million investment will see an extra bus on the streets, with two older buses being retired. While there was previous consideration for a fully electric fleet, the current move towards hybrid buses is seen as the safest bet due to advancing technology and infrastructure costs. As Belleville Transit progresses, lessons from larger agencies like TTC and OC Transpo are being studied to shape future decisions in the evolving public transportation landscape.