As part of an initiative to improve air quality in the South Bronx, free hybrid buses are now available to shuttle workers from subway stations to the Hunts Point peninsula. The new 20-passenger shuttles, which replace 10-year-old vans, service the southern part of Hunts Point, an area with no public transportation. The buses run on electricity, use less fuel than a traditional bus and emit less pollutants and greenhouse gases. ?One of the reasons why we targeted this particular area is because it has the second highest childhood asthma rate in the nation,? said economic and environmental planner Christina Ficicchia. This green fleet has five hybrid shuttles all together. Three are servicing the Hunts Point workers and the other two are leased for free to the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and the Highbridge Community Life Center. The buses, which have been funded by a series of grants, are free to use, but riders must register. To sign up for free shuttle buses, call 718-590-7159.