South Metro Area Regional Transit (SMART) is hosting a visit by a full-size, 40-passenger electric bus on August 25, 9 a.m., at the SMART Transit Center. At the event attendees will be able to experience the operation of a fully-electric, zero-emission bus that uses no gasoline, natural gas or diesel fuel. Currently there are no buses like this in operation in Oregon, Washington or Idaho, and only a limited number are in operation throughout the U.S.
SMART Transit Director Stephan Lashbrook said, “I believe that battery-electric buses are the future for the transit industry. If they are recharged with electricity from renewable sources, these buses can be operated while producing almost no air pollution or greenhouse gases.” Lashbrook added, “If the region is going get serious about implementing Metro’s recently adopted Climate Smart Strategy, this is the kind of transit vehicle that is needed.”
The bus manufacturer, Proterra, a company based in South Carolina, is one of just a few American bus manufacturers to make an all-electric, full-size bus. The company has been in business since 2004.
Anyone with an interest in public transit service or electric vehicles is invited to attend the free event.
