Edmonton launches their first electric buses
Public transport operator Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) unveiled the first 21 Proterra electric buses they have received so far. Another 19 Proterra buses are expected to arrive this year to make a total fleet of 40 electric buses. The Proterra buses will begin service in early August.
Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson showed himself enthusiastic after a test ride in one of the electric buses: “They do cost more to buy but they’re about 30 per cent more efficient to operate. And at a time where we’re all sort of scratching our heads to make sure that all civic expenditures — particularly transit — are as efficient as possible and as focused as possible, these super-efficient buses will help us long into the future, control the cost of delivering service.”
While the effects of the pandemic certainly have impacted rider numbers, as well as adding to cleaning costs, as the transit company notes, they are optimistic about business picking up quickly. The added environmental and noise pollution benefits also help offset the investment costs for the buses, as the long term savings from fuel will not offer their advantages until regular circulation has picked up.
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