Metro Transit in Minnesota welcomed the first electric bus that will serve the C Line when it opens June 8, 2019. The C Line is a bus rapid transit route designed to offer faster service and an improved transit experience.
Of the 14 buses dedicated to serving the route, six will be diesel, but more than half, eight, will be 60-foot Xcelsior® battery-electric buses. Metro Transit says this will make the route the "cleanest route in town." The eight electric buses were supplied by New Flyer of America Inc. and were purchased through funds awarded by the Federal Transit Administration.
The Metro Transit promises to provide a ride on the C Line that is 25 percent faster than similar routes. Riders will purchase their fare prior to boarding the buses to allow to move instead of waiting for fares to be collected. C Line stops will be on-demand only and will have heated, well-lit customer waiting shelters. The stations will feature enhanced amenities such as NexTrip real-time departure information signs, security cameras, emergency phones, bike racks, seating/benches, trash cans and snow removal. All buses will have new rear-facing, customer-operated securements for people using mobility devices. They also have free onboard Wi-Fi and USB ports.
