SEATTLE -- Gas prices aren't the only thing going through the roof. Diesel fuel is now over $2.30 a gallon in King County.

But, as KIRO 7 Eyewitness news Consumer Investigator Bebe Emerman has learned, the county is poised to fight back in a big way.

King County made history today. It's the first in the nation to add a fleet of hybrid buses to its transit system.

The new, high-tech buses operate on a combination of low-sulfur diesel and electricity, and they're expected to revolutionize how we get around.

Amid much hoopla, the hybrid hauled hand-shakers to pay homage.

"We pride ourselves in this area on being cutting edge, and quite frankly this is cutting edge technology," said Ron Sims, King County Executive.

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"These hybrids are impressive inside for passengers as they are under the hood for our environment and our economy," said Sen. Patty Murray.

The sleek new buses are 60 feet long and carry up to 58 passengers,

According to the manufacturer, General Motors, this new hybrid technology will deliver 60% better fuel economy than today's buses, saving the County 750,000 gallons of fuel a year, while producing 90% fewer emissions.

In all, the county has purchased 235 of the new buses. They'll replace the vintage 1990 models that now operate on the routes that use the downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel.

But buses aren't the only hybrid on the horizon. Next target: your garage.

Ford has a hybrid SUV in the works that will be available in 2005. GM has already come out with a hybrid pick-up truck that will be for sale in Washington by the end of the year.

"Traditionally fuel economy has not been something the American consumer would by, but now with the cost of gasoline going up I think you're going to find more and more consumer driver toward hybrids," said Matt Kester of General Motors.

Most people we talked to seemed to agree. Hybrids, whether buses or SUVs are hot.

"If you can cut down on your fuel consumption that's always something that will be good," said Jaimie Stang of Seattle.

The first two dozen buses will start carrying passengers on June 5. Most will be deployed by Metro Transit; 22 will go to Sound Transit.

All 235 will be on the road by the end of the year.