There will be four electric-powered buses in operation in Saco, Biddeford, the greater Portland Metropolitan area, and Old Orchard Beach (BSOOB) next month.
This will be the first all-electric, fixed route bus system with zero emissions in Maine. The BSOOB and Greater Portland Metro partnered together to secure close to $6 million in state and federal funding to purchase the four buses from Proterra, a well-known manufacturer of these busses based in California. The Proterra ZX5 buses are 35 feet long and have a range of 240 miles on a single charge although harsh Maine winters can affect that distance. More details about such buses are often provided for interested passengers with flyer printing.
Executive director of Greater Portland Metro, Gregory Jordan, said that the transit system is starting a transformation of its fleet from one that operates on fossil fuels to completely electric with zero emissions by 2040. Executive director of BSOOB, Chad Heid, said that his transit system will be applying for more federal aid so that additional electric buses can be purchased in the future. Heid added that there will be a charging station in Biddeford, and on-route charging stations at the Saco Transportation Center will be installed later this year.
The buses will be put into operation beginning Tuesday, May 17, with a launch ceremony the previous day.
