New zero-emission, battery-powered buses were introduced last week by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for use on its Silver Line.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, along with state Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack and MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak, were on hand to celebrate the introduction of the new battery-electric bus (BEB) prototypes.
“The procurement and testing of new battery-electric bus technology is exactly the type of investment we aim to continue with the Transportation Bond Bill in order to help the MBTA plan for the future,” Baker said. “Our Administration will continue to explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Commonwealth’s transportation system and we look forward to more improvements as the MBTA makes progress on delivering a more reliable bus system.”
The MBTA procured five zero-emission, battery-electric, 60-foot, buses with the help of a $10 million federal grant. The buses have all been tested since April and drivers have been trained on them. Three of the five went into service last week on various Silver Line routes. The other two are anticipated to enter service by the end of the summer. Also, five charging stations are also being built within the Southampton Bus Garage and Maintenance Facility, where each bus will be recharged overnight.
These busses are powered by both rear axle and center axle electric motors to enhance safety. The majority of 60-foot low floor buses in North America utilize only the rear axle to provide propulsion power, which can lead to traction issues during the winter when snow and ice are present.
“Testing the operational capabilities of these zero-emission prototypes by the MBTA is part of the Commonwealth’s commitment to reducing emissions in a changing climate,” Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito said. “This emerging vehicle technology is something we hope to continue to explore with investments from the Transportation Bond Bill as the MBTA analyzes how these new buses can deliver better service.”
Transportation Secretary Pollack said these new buses are aimed at providing a safe, comfortable ride while lowering energy costs.
“We’re excited to introduce these first battery-electric buses into service on the Silver Line to test how they operate in real-world conditions on Boston streets and in the Silver Line tunnel,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said. “This is an exciting first step in testing new technologies to electrify our bus fleet, save on fuel costs, and reduce our maintenance needs. We look forward to seeing how these buses perform, gathering data on power consumption, and testing their range during extreme weather as we continue to seek ways to reduce greenhouse gases and improve service for our customers.”