Public transit in Alexandria is getting greener, as DASH is adding six electric buses to its fleet.
Three of the buses, manufactured by New Flyer of America, are in road testing now and will be open to passengers in the coming weeks. The other three buses, by Proterra, will be delivered in January.
The buses are 40-foot battery-electric buses. Like other zero-emissions buses, these models will not produce any tailpipe emissions because they do not burn gas or diesel. Alexandria had tested the New Flyer of America buses last year.
The buses have an estimated range of more than 175 miles between charges.
“In addition to a quieter and more comfortable ride for passengers, ultimately the whole community is going to benefit by not only having reliable and safe public transit but also having cleaner air due to decreased emissions,” said DASH Assistant General Manager Raymond Mui.
DASH has invested in the training, tools and specialized skills necessary to maintain battery-electric buses, including dedicated mechanics and bays for service.
The maintenance department has created a separate tool room for the new buses and has already planned several training classes for its employees to learn the new systems associated with zero-emissions buses, according to DASH.
“This is a critical step toward creating a cleaner and more sustainable community and we look forward to doing our part to effect that change here in Alexandria,” said DASH CEO and General Manager Josh Baker.
