INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 10, 2017) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) has begun launching the largest airport electric shuttle-bus fleet in the United States as the first bus rolled into operation in the Economy Lot – a preview for passengers, ahead of what will eventually be a nine-bus fleet.

Five more buses will begin operation by early 2018, and three more will join the fleet in late 2019. All of the buses will be specifically marked, designating to passengers that they are riding on an electric bus. Banners and signs placed across airport property will announce the new electric buses, and passengers will see the fleet’s charging infrastructure as they exit the parking garage.

Six electric buses were made possible via a $2.6 million Zero Emissions Vehicle grant– through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. The grant was the largest of its kind awarded to an airport in 2016.

“As the number one airport in North America, it is important for us to be a leader in environmental stewardship and to set the example of sustainable, world-class airport operations,” said Mario Rodriguez, executive director of the Indianapolis Airport Authority.

The IAA announced in October it was awarded $18 million in federal and state grants in 2017, of which $1 million was a ZEV grant. This new ZEV funding will be used to purchase three more electric shuttle buses, making the Indy airport’s fleet the largest in the country.

“As we continue to increase the number of nonstop flights and travelers coming through Indy Airport, it is key that we continue taking steps to increase the airport’s sustainability efforts while decreasing carbon emissions,” Rodriguez said. “The electric shuttle buses are but one piece of that larger effort.”

The Indy airport’s broader efforts also include reducing carbon emissions throughout the airport operations, as part of its long-term commitment to sustainability. Airports Council International – North America certified that the Indy airport reached the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program’s Level 2+ Reduction for proving it has reduced its carbon footprint.

The airport’s carbon-reduction steps have resulted in reducing emissions to a level that is equal to removing 5,720 vehicles from the road.

The Indy airport received Level 1+ Mapping designation in 2016, in which the airport identified emissions sources within its boundaries of operations and mapped out opportunities for reduction.

“As the first domestic airport terminal campus to earn the LEED certification, we continue to make the necessary investments in environmental sustainability,” said Todd Cavender, IAA director of environment and sustainability. “Our participation in the carbon-reduction program not only contributes to environmental sustainability, but it does so in a way that increases the airport’s public value and economic impact to the community.”

The airport’s long-term goal is to encourage more airport business partners to participate in the carbon-reduction initiative, which will help the airport become a carbon-neutral operation.