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Eco-Friendly Fleet
We're Driving Toward a Cleaner Tomorrow
What's Next?
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What’s new on the Proterra battery-electric bus fleet:
Zero. That’s zero emissions.
Quietest ride on the market
Quantum wheelchair securement system
State of the art camera system with 4K technology and 360 degree camera
Infotainment (video display)
How Battery Electric Buses Work
Range
Powered by state-of-the-art batteries under the bus floor, our electric buses are expected to travel for approximately 7-10 hours before they need recharging. Actual range of the buses is dependent on factors such as weather conditions, grade changes on the route, and passenger load. The buses can fully recharge at Metro's Operations and Maintenance Center in 2-4 hours.
Durability
The carbon composite body of the buses minimizes repairs and maximizes life. Steel-body buses often experience corrosion throughout their average 12-year lifespan. However, the carbon composite body of the electric bus is expected to stay in continuous service for years longer. The electric drivetrain was also designed with 30% fewer parts, which means fewer maintenance repairs and replacements over the lifetime of the bus.
Noise
The electric buses are exceptionally quiet and create virtually no noise when idling. In motion, they're whisper quiet at 57 dB and operate below a normal conversation level.
Sustainability
The electric buses produce zero tailpipe emissions. The table below shows estimated lifetime emissions reductions that are expected by transitioning a diesel bus to all electric. Metro also has a unique charging opportunity with its recently-constructed Operations and Maintenance Center (OMC). The OMC has a rooftop solar array with over 1,300 photovoltaic panels, which will further offset energy costs and fossil fuel reductions of the electric buses.
Annual Tailpipe Emissions Comparison (Electric vs. Diesel)
Emissions Type | Proterra Electric Bus | Standard Diesel Bus |
---|---|---|
Greenhouse Gases (lbs) | 0 | 300,960 |
Carbon Dioxide (lbs) | 0 | 243,980 |
Methane (lbs) | 0 | 158 |
Carbon Monoxide (lbs) | 0 | 59 |
Nitrogen Oxide (lbs) | 0 | 59 |
Hydrocarbon (lbs) | 0 | 11 |
Particulate Matter (lbs) | 0 | 1 |
Black Carbon (lbs) | 0 | 891 |
Battery Electric Bus Frequently Asked Questions
What route (or routes) do the electric buses operate on?
The current seventeen (17) buses will operate on various routes throughout the system.
How do the electric buses change my ride?
The buses are similar in size, shape, and ride compared to Metro's other compressed natural gas and diesel buses. Riders may notice that the buses are quieter, but otherwise no differences should be expected from a rider's perspective.
How did Metro fund the electric buses?
The three (3) initial buses were paid for primarily by a combination of Federal Transit Administration Section 5308 (Clean Fuels) and 5339 (Buses and Bus Facilities) funding, in addition to matching funds from the State of Illinois and MetroLINK. The five (5) buses delivered in Spring 2019 were paid for with Federal Transit Administration Section 5307 and 5339 (Buses and Bus Facilities) funding, in addition to matching funds from the State of Illinois. The nine (9) 2022 buses were paid for with a combination of EPA Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) funds and Section 5339 (Bus and Bus Facilities) funds, in addition to Illinois Capital Assistance funding.
Read all about it!
See what the local media has to say.
Media Links
Press release 2019
Press release 2018
Media B Roll
Bus Photo 1
Bus Photo 2