GoRaleigh Rolls Out Five New Electric Buses
RALEIGH – Saturday, August 21, GoRaleigh showcased its zero-emission, electric buses that will become part of the City of Raleigh Department of Transportation’s transit fleet.
These buses rely completely on rechargeable batteries and do not emit harmful tailpipe emissions or other greenhouse gasses. In addition, an electric bus is more reliable, less costly to maintain, quieter, and creates a smoother ride for passengers.
In 2019, Raleigh’s City Council established a goal of reducing community-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80 percent by 2050. The Community Climate Action Plan (CCAP) was developed with the help of experts, leaders, community organizations, and City staff. The Plan includes strategies to reduce Raleigh’s highest sources of emissions: Transportation, Energy in Buildings, and Waste. These strategies include transitioning to electric vehicles and reducing vehicle miles traveled.
The addition of electric buses to GoRaleigh’s fleet supports the City’s goals. By 2023 GoRaleigh’s fleet will be 70 percent zero or near-zero emissions.
The funding for these five electric buses came from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Wake Transit half-cent sales tax voters approved in 2016.
“The addition of five new electric buses is the next step toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for the residents of Raleigh,” said David Eatman, Assistant Director, Department of Transportation.
The partners that have helped bring the first electric buses to the City of Raleigh are Duke Energy, FTA, Green State Power, IBI Group, INIT Innovations in Transportation Inc., Proterra (the bus manufacturer), and Siemens.
Raleigh Water is also playing a huge part in the City’s environmental stewardship. Their Bio-energy Recovery Project will fuel 50 GoRaleigh buses daily with compressed natural gas (CNG). The new facility will produce green energy, allowing the City to make great strides in moving towards reducing its GHG emissions and meeting its sustainability goals.
About GoRaleigh
GoRaleigh is the City’s public transit bus service for all residents. GoRaleigh operates 87 buses in peak service, serving approximately 18,000 passengers per day, and covers a territory of 144 square miles. For route and schedule information please visit www.goraleigh.org.