Canada has received delivery of its first hybrid bus this week, to be put into service in the city of Kelowna.

The bus will be operated by BC Transit, the first transit system in Canada to put the advanced hybrid diesel-electric bus from General Motors into regular service.

The transit company has ordered six of the 12-metre hybrid buses, which will begin public operations throughout the province.

"Hybrid buses are an excellent example of using technology to help address climate change, and the city of Kelowna is honoured to be the first community in Canada to put a new hybrid bus into regular service," said Walter Gray, mayor of Kelowna.

Greg Solcombe, chairman of BC Transit said, "BC Transit is committed to adopting new technologies for public transit.

"The hybrid electric bus has major advantages in not only environmental quality but in lower operating and life cycle costs as well as fuel costs."

The hybrid system delivers greater fuel economy and a reduction of certain emissions by up to 90 per cent more than conventional diesel buses.