Delaware Transit Corporation was awarded $2.029 million from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase up to six zero-emission battery-electric buses.

Delaware Transit Corporation was awarded $2.029 million from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase up to six zero-emission battery-electric buses.

With the help of Delaware’s Congressional delegation, the project grant was selected on a competitive basis through the fiscal year 2016 Low or No Emission Bus and Bus Facilities grant program.

These zero-emission buses will be placed into DART’s public transit service in the Dover and surrounding Kent County in early 2018, replacing diesel buses and reducing emissions.

DTC’s long-term plan includes expanding the operation of electric buses to the Rehoboth Beach area after the completion of the Lewes Transit Center, and to Wilmington.

Battery-electric buses are much quieter than diesel buses. They average 17.5 mpg equivalent versus diesel at 4 mpg and the lifetime or 12-year fuel costs are $81,000 compared to $378,000 for diesel. Cost savings will also be realized with the elimination of engine and exhaust-related maintenance.

Proterra will serve as the electric bus manufacturer for DTC. DTC and Proterra will hold an Electric Bus Demonstration on Aug. 11 in Dover and Aug. 12 in Rehoboth.

In addition to the bus purchase, the grant will also be used for the infrastructure required to operate the buses and the associated maintenance training needs.

The Delaware Transit Corporation, a subsidiary of the Delaware Department of Transportation, operates DART First State. For information, call 800-652-3278 or visit dartfirststate.com.