Chalk up another victory for the agents of modern innovation and clean energy sustainability in the Metro Phoenix area.
Last week, 12 electric public passenger buses, thanks in part to funding from the Biden/Harris Era Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, debuted on the streets of Phoenix, marking the continuation of Mayor Kate Gallego and the Phoenix City Council’s efforts to shift the fifth-largest city in the nation’s energy portfolio toward a cleaner, more modern one.
Earlier moves saw the city purchase hybrid public transport and natural gas vehicles, along with electric school buses.
Commenting on the premiere of the electric buses, Mayor Gallego posted the following social media video.
In the video, the Mayor said:
“I am on one of the Valley’s new electric buses. Please check them out. They are operating now. They have zero emissions, so they’re great for sustainability. Quiet service. It’s much easier to hear people on the bus and great acceleration. So, please enjoy this innovative new technology.”
Blog for Arizona reached out to Mayor Gallego’s office to ask what the long term prospects were for the Valley Metro Electric Fleet.
The Mayor’s Communication Director, Todd Zubatkin, provided the answers to the questions below.
How many electric buses are now operational?
“This is one of twelve (12) recently acquired buses made possible via a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) grant. The buses are being operated on a pilot basis while the department also undertakes an infrastructure improvement project at one of its transit facilities (operating garage) in parallel.”
What is the long-term goal for the number of buses?
“This will be partially determined by the performance of these first 12 electric buses. Of note is that the majority of Phoenix’s current transit fleet (two thirds of ~500 buses) operates on clean-burning natural gas, and the department’s current natural gas provider utilizes renewable natural gas processes in its production. The department has also incorporated hybrid-electric buses into its fleet in recent years.”
What is the goal/number in reduced emissions stemming from the release of the new electric fleet?
“While the transit department doesn’t have a set goal for reducing emissions, such reductions can be estimated after the buses have been put into full service. The transit department also works with the city’s Office of Sustainability and Office of Environmental Programs on long-term fleet strategies as part of those offices’ citywide planning efforts.”
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