Reno Area Gets 19 New Hybrid Electric-Biodiesel, Electric Buses
by Lily Bohlke (Public News Service – NV) Washoe County’s transit fleet is getting greener, with 17 new hybrid electric-biodiesel buses, and two new electric buses this month. The additions bring the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) bus fleet to 80% electric or hybrid-alternative fuel.
David Carr, fleet and facilities manager for the RTC, said the goal is to have all buses running on alternative energy by 2035.
“They’re clean, they’re new, gives the passengers I think, a better quality of transport,” Carr explained. “And they’re not exposed to the same pollutants they would be if they were in a regular diesel bus.”
Carr noted moving away from diesel is cost-efficient, in addition to having a positive impact on the environment. The electric buses have no tailpipe emissions, and the hybrids get a 60% greater fuel economy.
Dana Lowell, environmental consultant for M.J. Bradley and Associates, said electric vehicles are a win-win-win. They save money on gasoline over time for the consumer, they reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, and they’re good for everyone who uses electricity in Nevada.
“It’s part of the significant opportunity of electric vehicles,” Lowell observed. “To better utilize the existing grid infrastructure, and therefore drive down costs for all electric use, not just for electric vehicles.” READ MORE
RTC Washoe County to have 80 percent alternative fuel fleet in 2021 (Mass Transit)
Excerpt from Mass Transit: Seventeen of the 19 new buses are New Flyer Hybrid electric/biodiesel buses ….
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In July 2017, the RTC Board formally adopted its award-winning Sustainability Plan as the guiding document on the future of sustainability for the agency. This plan identifies the existing transportation and operational sustainability measures undertaken by the RTC and establishes goals to continue to reduce fuel consumption, improve air quality and further minimize the carbon footprint of RTC operational activities. READ MORE