Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GARTA) in Massachusetts celebrated the addition of six, 35-foot electric buses to its fleet with an event attended by local officials and residents.
The GATRA team worked to secure funding from the Volkswagen Clean Air Settlement to purchase the new buses from manufacturer, GILLIG, based in California.
Administrator Mark Sousa is excited to offer a cleaner alternative to the local riders.
“It is important for us to connect with and improve our community by cultivating relationships with those that share the same values,” he said. “We want to be a leader in the community by bringing enhancements to the cities and towns in our service area.”
GILLIG Vice President of Sales Bill Fay, is excited to partner with GATRA.
“These six new battery electric buses will deliver safe reliable and environmentally friendly transit to the greater Taunton and Attleboro communities,” said Fay.
State Senator Mark Pacheco spoke to the attendees before cutting the ribbon to welcome the new buses and congratulate the GARTA team for their efforts.
“I am pleased to support this promising clean transportation initiative paid for by the Volkswagen Clean Air Settlement,” he said. “I want to thank administrator Mark Sousa and everyone who helped support getting this environmentally friendly alternative to the riders in the area.”
The GATRA team would like to thank local representatives Carol Doherty (Taunton/Easton) and Jim Hawkins (Attleboro) for taking the time to enjoy the first ride in the new incredibly quiet and comfortable carbon free bus.
