Columbus will get four new hybrid buses for METRA, the west Georgia city's public transportation system.

The new 32-seat Daimler Chrysler buses will allow the system to replace four aging buses in 2013.

The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer reports that the buses are being purchased with a federal grant and local matching funds.

Authorities say the Orion VII buses, which cost about $505,000 each, are 35 percent more fuel efficient than buses now operated by METRA.

City leaders announced the plans Thursday at a news conference that included city and federal officials.

Tags: public transportation, METRA buses, Hybrid buses