Zero-emission electric buses on their way to North Carolina for the first time

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Posted: 15 November 2017 | Intelligent Transport |

The four zero-emission electric buses will replace retiring fossil fuel vehicles, cutting over 540,000kg of greenhouse gas emissions…

Greensboro Transit Authority (GTA) is moving ahead with the purchase of four electric buses from Proterra as part of a plan to significantly expand its zero-emission fleet over the next four years.

The procurement of the 40-foot long vehicles marks a joint effort from from GTA and Proterra to reduce emissions, reduce congestion and accelerate sustainable infrastructure development throughout Greensboro’s community.

“We are proud to be the first city in North Carolina to adopt zero-emission, battery-electric buses,” said Greensboro Mayor, Nancy Vaughan. “It’s our hope that Greensboro serves as a model for other North Carolina communities – one that will help improve the quality of life, and make our state even better place to live, learn, work and play.”

The four electric buses will replace retiring fossil fuel buses, eliminating more than 540,000kg of greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to the environmental benefits, the new electric buses will also have a positive impact on GTA’s bottom line, since they require less energy to operate and less maintenance. In their 12 year lifespan, the Proterra buses will result in maintenance and operations cost savings of more than $1.7 million.

Greensboro has a five-year contract with Proterra, and expects to purchase additional buses as it works to make zero-emission vehicles the standard for its fleet.

“At GTA, we want to offer our riders the opportunity to make sustainable choices through public transit. These new battery-electric Proterra buses will not only provide an environmentally-friendly service to our customers, they’ll also exemplify GTA’s commitment to eco-conscious infrastructure adoption and to strong fiscal responsibility,” said Adam Fischer, Director of the Greensboro Department of Transportation.

“Providing the community with the best service possible, and doing so in a way that benefits our residents and the environment, is at the core of GTA,” Fischer continued. “As we move forward with the Mobility Greensboro 2040 plan, cutting back on emissions levels and laying the foundation for sustainable urban ecosystems will be key to the future of our Greensboro transportation system. That’s why we’re more than excited to officially deploy our new electric buses in the coming year.”

With a total annual ridership of 6.1 million, GTA provides mass transit services to citizens and visitors throughout the Piedmont Triad, including nine dedicated routes serving higher learning institutions and select destinations throughout Greensboro. The new electric buses will allow riders to enjoy the benefits of zero-emission mass transit technology, from improved community air quality, to a quieter rider experience.

“Greensboro already has an outstanding reputation for pursuing and implementing forward-looking transportation initiatives and policies. We’re proud to help them further solidify this reputation by providing them with our battery-electric transit vehicles,” said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. “With GTA and other progressive agencies serving as models, the Southeast is quickly pivoting away from diesel and committing to sustainable mobility solutions that simply make economic and environmental sense. Proterra is excited to help this region – and the country as a whole – speed into a clean transit future.”