The future of public transit may be just around the corner!
Starting January 2018, BC Transit will be trying out an electric transit bus in Victoria by putting it in service, for the first time ever.
The bus is manufactured by BYD and can travel up to 250 kilometres after being charged overnight for three to four hours – the charging station will be located at the Victoria Regional Transit Centre.
During the trial period, the cost of manufacturing the bus and running the charging station will be undertaken by BYD.
The bus is designed to reduce fossil fuel usage, as well as practically eliminate noise pollution.
BC Transit will be basing its future use of similar electric buses on the capabilities, range, and operational processes and requirements of this bus during the trial run.
“The Victoria Regional Transit Commission is looking forward to seeing the battery electric bus on the road,” stated Susan Brice, Victoria Regional Transit Commission Chair.
“It is important for us to continue testing new technology to learn how it works in our community, and provide information to bus manufacturers about improvements that need to be made to meet our needs.”
