The Antelope Valley Transit Authority prepared to make world history this week as a global leader in the Race to Zero Emissions (R2ZE). As part of the conversion of the Antelope Valley’s entire fleet to electric buses, their 60-foot articulated bus will be the first fully operational electric bus of its kind in the world, carrying passengers on AVTA’s Local Route 1. Passengers are invited to help celebrate this major milestone with complimentary service offered during the bus’s maiden voyage on Friday, September 1st. The bus will depart from Steve Owen Memorial Park in Lancaster, California at approximately 10:00 am, and will run all day long on the normal Route 1 path.
The 60-foot articulated bus, which was delivered to AVTA from BYD Motors in May 2017, is one of 13 buses of this size and type that will enter circulation as AVTA strives to meet their goal of becoming “100 percent green by 2018”. With the ability to carry up to 70 passengers while utilizing AVTA’s WAVE wireless charging system, the zero emissions bus harnesses the most advanced first generation technology available in the market. Since taking delivery, AVTA has worked tirelessly to prepare the bus for its first day in service, which has included rigorous road testing. Future plans for the articulated buses include development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to alleviate overcrowding and streamline service along the busy Route 1 corridor.
“September 1st will be a day the entire Antelope Valley can be proud of. We couldn’t be more pleased at the progress being made as we deliver a new standard of excellence in public transportation,” said AVTA Board Chairman Marvin Crist.
The AVTA electric bus conversion project was kick-started with grant funding made possible by Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Michael Antonovich. Supported by AVTA’s Board of Directors, who embraced this bold vision, the AVTA executive team has consistently advanced the project, accomplishing milestone deliverables and gaining the world’s attention as a model leader in innovative, sustainable, clean public transportation. In addition to achieving project benchmarks, AVTA has recently won prestigious state and national awards for air quality and financial excellence.
“Our vision has quickly become a reality, and every day we come closer to achieving our objectives and accomplishing our end-goal. None of this would be possible without the support from Los Angeles County, our Board of Directors, and the entire team of dedicated professionals at AVTA,” said AVTA CEO Len Engel.
