PORTLAND, Ore. — TriMet is expanding its electric bus fleet. The agency plans to triple the number of e-buses it has picking up riders on Portland-area roads.
TriMet marked Earth Day on Monday by introducing five of the new 24 battery electric buses it plans to put into service this year. The buses will join 10 battery electric buses already in service.
The buses are zero emissions and powered by renewable energy.
"They're not contributing in any way to greenhouse gas emissions," said TriMet Public Information Officer Mark Miller. "On this Earth Day, this is a really great example of just how TriMet is improving our environmental quality and living out our commitment of sustainability in the region."
The buses have extended battery charge capacity and flexible charging capabilities.
"We estimate that these buses will be able to get at least 150 miles on a single charge, that makes them suitable for more of our routes, " said Miller.
It's all part of TriMet's long-term plan to be more green. The goal is to convert to a 100% zero-emissions bus fleet by 2040, Miller said.
"That's part of our goal to be completely net carbon neutral by 2050,'' he added.
Besides being better for the environment, TriMet also wants to help those in the community. Once ready to go into service, TriMet will place the buses where they are needed the most.
"We're taking a look at parts of the city and part of the region that have lower than average air quality or that have historically marginalized populations," said Miller. "So we're prioritizing and deploying these buses where they will have the greatest impact."
Right now, TriMet is conducting testing and training on the new battery electric buses. The buses should go into service by late spring.