(The Center Square) – The Capital Area Transportation Authority wants to use zero-emission vehicles by 2035, following a statewide effort to use 100% renewable energy by 2040.
The group hopes to start driving its first 40-feet, battery-electric, fixed-route bus the board approved April 20, 2022 around 2024-2025 in the city of Lansing since the current lead time for order and delivery is between 20 to 24 months.
In August 2021, CATA was awarded a $2.4 million grant, $1,971,211 federal, and $492,803 state funds it will use to purchase electric buses.
The current fixed route fleet consists of 58 New Flyer buses counting clean diesel and diesel-electric hybrid models.
New Flyer, a subsidiary of NFI Group, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of heavy-duty transit vehicles.
Lansing’s climate plan includes transitioning from gas-powered appliances, HVAC, and other equipment to full electrification.
The climate plan says: “As fossil fuel powered vehicles are phased out, we must do everything possible to replace them with feasible EV alternatives. To make this possible, we need to build out an efficient EV charging infrastructure, working in Lansing and throughout the region to make it possible for a more complete transition for both residents and other organizations with larger fleets.”
Lansing Director of Communication Scott Bean told The Center Square that the City of Lansing currently owns three fully electric vehicles for use by City employees. Several police cruisers are also hybrid vehicles.
The federal portion of this grant expires in 2026.
The state will likely use the state of Washington’s cooperative procurement master contract allowing for transit agencies in other states to buy new transit buses.
The vehicle shouldn’t cost more than $1.3 million plus additional required accessories.
The purchase is also pending the successful completion of both Buy America Pre-Award and Post-Delivery audits.
Since Nova buses were introduced to the fleet in 2019, CATA has replaced almost half of its fixed-route buses. For each new vehicle added, CATA retires one old vehicle.
There are 38 40-feet Nova buses and nine 60-feet buses currently in operation.
The new Nova buses feature USB charging ports on the seats and padded vinyl seats for increased comfort and cleanability. Additionally, the sleeker minimalist design of the exterior and interior of the Nova buses make it easier for riders to spot the buses around the area.
New vehicles being added to CATA’s fleet include:
4 new Ford Hybrid Escapes (2023)12 new cutaway buses (2023)6 new vans (2023)7 new Nova 40-foot buses (2024)2 new Nova 60-foot buses (2024)
