Nashua Transit System welcomed two new electric hybrid buses to its fleet on Oct. 3 with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by BAE Systems. The new buses are entering service this fall and are equipped with BAE Systems’ Series-E propulsion system.
BAE says the hybrid system, which is electrically-driven, saves fuel, emissions and decreases maintenance of mechanical parts. The buses will join the nine compressed natural gas buses the Nashua Transit System already operates. Additionally, the two buses will continue the city’s goal to significantly reduce emissions by 2025 and create a more sustainable future for Nashua.
“With just these two buses, every year we will save more than four-thousand gallons of fuel, and we will avoid nearly 50-tons of carbon dioxide,” said John Hroncich, BAE Systems’ Power and Propulsion Solutions (PPS) regional sales manager. “That’s equal to planting a half acre forest each year.”
The buses will replace two of Nashua Transit System’s trolleys and feature a new lime green color scheme. The inside of the bus features easier to clean seating, more slip resistant flooring and one of the buses will incorporate a Quantum wheelchair securement system.
“To bring this green technology to our backyard, to collaborate with our partners at Nashua Transit System, and to make a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors – and the world around us – quite simply, makes us proud,” said Hroncich.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local officials, as well as several of New Hampshire’s congressional delegation including U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), U.S. Rep. Anne Kuster (D-NH-02) and a representative from the office of U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).
“We are grateful to have the continued support from our congressional delegation to launch this new green technology. The city of Nashua is proud to continue offering sustainable transportation options to our community,” said Camille Pattison, transportation manager for the city of Nashua.
The funds to purchase the hybrid electric buses came from a $1.1 million grant awarded in 2018 through the Federal Transit Administration’s Low-No Emissions Program. Members of the congressional delegation provided letters of support to the city’s application of those funds.
“We are already seeing the effects of climate change on our environment, and if we don’t act now, future generations will pay the price,” said Rep. Kuster. “I applaud the city of Nashua for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by providing environmentally-friendly transportation options. I’m excited about this new addition to the Nashua community and I will continue to advocate for programs and policies that will help us combat climate change and save our planet.”
