Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) Chief Executive Officer, John Sisson announced today that DTC has been awarded $2,029,300 from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase up to six zero-emission battery-electric buses. With the help of Delaware’s Congressional delegation, the project grant was selected on a competitive basis through the FY 2016 Low or No Emission Bus and Bus Facilities grant program.
"This grant funding will do a lot of good to keep Delaware driving toward a clean-energy future. Dirty old engines emit deadly toxins into our air, and we know that chronic exposure to those emissions can pose serious harm to our public health,” said United States Senator Tom Carper. “Expanding the First State’s fleet of battery-electric buses is a win-win for our environment and for the Delawareans who rely on public transportation to reach their destination."
These zero-emission buses will be placed into DART’s public transit service in the state’s capital, Dover, and surrounding Kent County in early 2018, replacing diesel buses and significantly reducing emissions. DTC’s long-term plan includes expanding the operation of electric buses to the Rehoboth area, following the completion of the Lewes Transit Center, and to Wilmington.
“This generous grant from USDOT will help purchase buses for routes in Kent County that will significantly cut back emissions in Dover,” said United States Senator Chris Coons. “This is welcome news for drivers, pedestrians and others who will share the roads with the new state-of-the-art buses. They are a great first step that will help DART begin to transform their bus fleet to no or low emission vehicles.”
Battery-electric buses are much quieter than diesel buses. They average 17.5 MPG equivalent vs. diesel at 4.0 MPG and the lifetime (12-year) fuel costs are $81,000 compared to $378,000 for diesel. Cost savings will also be realized with the elimination of engine and exhaust-related maintenance.
"Cutting edge technology, like the zero-emission battery-electric bus, is crucial to making our transportation system cleaner," said Congressman Carney. "These six buses will cut harmful emissions and save Delaware taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in fuel costs. I'm glad that DelDOT, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and other partners were able to come together to bring these buses to Delaware. I look forward to seeing them throughout the Dover area soon."
Proterra will serve as the electric bus manufacturer for DTC. Proterra is a leader in the design and manufacture of zero-emission battery-electric buses whose vision is to deliver clean, quiet transportation. DTC and Proterra will hold an Electric Bus Demonstration on Thursday, August 11 in Dover and Friday, August 12 in Rehoboth.
In addition to the bus purchase, the grant will also be used for the infrastructure required to operate the buses and the associated maintenance training needs.
