Whatcom Transportation Authority (WTA) in Bellingham, WA is leasing an all-electric bus for the months of August through December, 2018.
The 42-foot Catalyst E2 bus is from Proterra, a manufacturer based in Burlingame, CA. The five-month lease will allow WTA to gauge its performance on local terrain during summer, fall and winter weather. It will also give WTA’s mechanics, who work primarily on gasoline, diesel and diesel-electric vehicles, an opportunity to learn the maintenance routines of an electric bus.
Compared to a standard diesel bus, one electric bus would reduce WTA’s carbon dioxide emissions by 1,100 tons over its 12-year service life. It would also reduce fuel use by 100,000 gallons, reduce particulate matter emissions by 30 pounds, and reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 674 pounds.
The electric bus can be identified by its non-WTA graphics, as well as signage on each side, declaring “WTA is test-driving this all-electric bus.” Now through September 2018, riders are most likely to catch the electric bus on Routes 14, 15 and 24 on weekdays and Routes 1, 3 and 27 on Saturdays.
