Скачать или смотреть MTA Maryland's 𝗚𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗜𝗚 Hybrid is FINALLY HERE!

Yes!... After over a century of manufacturing buses and/or coaches for the North American market, the Maryland Transit Administration has FINALLY caved-in to the "GILLIG bug" and bought their first fleet of vehicles from the tried & true and widely trusted bus maker of Livermore, California.

This is coach #26050; a 40-foot diesel-electric hybrid bus that complete assembly on December 10, 2025 [technically, making it a "2025" bus for a "2026" contract]. Traveling 3,298 miles across America through all different types of seasons, including through this recent January snowstorm to reach its final home here in Baltimore, Maryland. That, right there, should be a testament to MDOT MTA that these buses are going to be around for a long time.

Many of the quirky bits that I have viewed on this coach is not at all different from the last time I have driven a GILLIG bus nine years ago. This model is the Low Floor PLUS -- a thirty year-old timeless design -- with the latest hybrid drive system procurements before the 2027 EPA regulations take fold.
This bus will have the same powertrain setup as the 25000-series XDE40s from New Flyer, but the one key component that foamers alike will be able to distinguish from each manufacturer is the chassis; more specifically, the "axles." If you're curious... for you non-foamers out there, each and every bus may look the same: a boxy rectangle with four (technically: "six") wheels; ignorant drivers picking-up smelly people; and the same powertrain combination BUT each & every one of those buses have their own specific quirks that make them unique.
New Flyer tend to pair with MAN for their axles; NovaBus with ZF axles; and GILLIG with Meritor axles (Dana on 29-footers). So, in all likelihood, these GILLIGs could sound like the Neoplans to a decree even the same powertrain in the, aforementioned, 25000-series XDE40s have a Cummins engine and Allison transmission.

There is noticeable difference in the interior setup - from both the drivers' and patrons' point-of-view -- is the seating arrangement that favors the mother & child and the elderly lugging a push-cart having their own (figurative) priority seating. Aside from the overhead double-sided infotainment TV, there is a smaller TV monitor giving patrons the opportunity to view their surrounding in-and-around the bus for their own safety and curiosity. The "GILLIG bar" in the rear seats CAN NOT be forgotten as always. The cockpit is as driver-centric as it could be for operators to do their tasks SAFELY. Everything is in a reasonable and reachable position that wandering eyes will no longer be an issue. The one caveat I have though is the placement of the silent alarm button directly beside to the microphone switch on floor rather than deep in the footwell out of reach unless it is ABSOLUTELY needed to. But, aside from that, this bus looks to be an operator's favorite already.

►Coach:
2025 (2026) GILLIG "Advantage" Low Floor PLUS (Hybrid) #26050
VIN: 15GGD3015S3203702

►Powertrain:
𝗖𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘀 B 6.7 liter (280 hp) engine / 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧 eGen Flex (209 kW) hybrid transmission on 𝗔𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐨𝐫 axles

►Fleet series:
26050-26059 (alongside the 2026 New Flyer XDE40s and XE40s)


Created with Movavi Video Editor
https://www.movavi.com/video-editor-p...