Just in time for Earth Day, Mountain Metro Transit (MMT) is unveiling four new zero tailpipe emission, battery electric buses that will go into service this spring.
“These new buses are not only environmentally friendly, but also quiet and attractive,” said Craig Blewitt, Transit Services Manager. “This is an exciting addition to our bus fleet and the way we deliver service. ”
The new buses were manufactured by Proterra, an electric bus manufacturer based in California, and the ZX5 model can run between 220 and 330 miles before needing to be recharged. Artwork on the buses includes Colorado Springs’ electric history with Nikola Tesla in his Colorado Springs laboratory in 1899 as well as recent images of the city.
Two of the buses were partially funded through Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Transit and Rail Settlement Transit Bus Replacement Program with funding from the Volkswagen Diesel Emission Settlement trust. The other two buses were funded by a Federal Transit Administration 5339(b) Buses and Bus Facilities Program grant. The electric buses will join a fleet of 67 clean diesel technology buses.
Mountain Metropolitan Transit provides local fixed-route bus service and Metro Mobility ADA paratransit service for Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak region. All buses are wheelchair-lift equipped. Mountain Metropolitan Transit also provides other services such as Metro Rides’ ridesharing, vanpool, and bicycling programs. For added convenience, there are bike racks on all buses for riders who want to utilize the bike-n-bus program. For additional information regarding Mountain Metropolitan Transit please visit www.mmtransit.com, or call (719) 385-RIDE (7433).