Photo by Beth Lawton
Alexandria has acquired an electric bus for a week, which will be available for customers to try out free in Alexandria. It was outside Beatley Central Library Sunday afternoon, and will be at Alexandria's City Hall Market Square Wednesday and Saturday.
The Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) has acquired an electric bus for residents to test and review this week. The electric bus will operate as part of regular DASH service through the end of this week. DASH customers will have be able to take the bus free as part of their regular commute. Riders will be asked to complete a survey about their experience after their ride.
The bus also will go on display from 4 - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at Alexandria City Hall Market Square, at 301 King St., and again there from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Feb. 10.
ATC/DASH General Manager Josh Baker will make remarks at the Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m., and those who attend will be able to ride the electric bus following the remarks.
“Through our ongoing commitment towards evaluating and investing in green technology, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and planning for a sustainable future, we have been able to partner with New Flyer Industries of North America to pilot an all-electric 'Xcelsior CHARGE' transit bus right here in our home city,” Baker said.
The buses cost slightly more than the gas-electric hybrid buses currently in service, but building a charging infrastructure to keep the bus batteries charged may be expensive. The ride is reportedly quiet and smooth.
Free rides on the electric bus will be included the following routes, though weather and other factors may affect service:
- Monday, Feb. 5, AT6 6 – 10 a.m.
- Monday, Feb. 5, AT8, 3 – 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 6, AT1, AT2, 6 – 10 a.m.
- Tuesday, Feb. 6, AT1, 3– 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 7 AT3, AT4 6 – 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 8, AT7, 6 – 10 a.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 8, AT3, 3 – 7 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 9, AT5, 6 – 7 p.m.
