“We’ve exhausted our options with BYD. We can’t wait on broken promises and missed deadlines anymore and now it’s our responsibility to hold them accountable,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We do not take this decision lightly – now it is our responsibility to ensure a clean break with BYD so the City can move on. Through the legal process, we will professionally dissolve this relationship.”

The buses were sent back to the manufacturer, Build Your Dreams, in late November after the city says they did not pass inspections and had multiple safety issues including malfunctioning wheelchair ramps.

Mayor Keller says the city is committed to bringing electric buses to Albuquerque but that technology is not where it needs to be in order to fit the needs of the city.

In response to the mayor's announcement, BYD released the following statement:

BYD once again disputes the Mayor’s false and misleading statements regarding BYD and its products. It is unfortunate that the City has chosen to file a lawsuit. Prior to today’s press conference the City had refused to provide BYD with inspection reports documenting alleged problems with the buses. The City has never stated the amount of damages it claims to have suffered. Although the City has terminated the contract inconsistent with its terms, BYD worked in good faith and at significant expense to remove the buses by the City-imposed deadline. BYD is considering all legal options in response to the City’s actions.