Today, we celebrate a $104 million grant from . @FTA_DOT Supporting the transition of Cinder Bed Bus Garage to a fully battery electric facility. This grant will help us reach our goal of 100% zero-emissions operation by 2042. Zero tailpipe emissions = improved air quality! #wmata pic.twitter.com/9XQn2QeDR0
— Metro Forward (@wmata) August 30, 2023
Metro and Fairfax Connector bus system leaders joined FTA officials outside the bus garage on Cinder Bed Road in Lawton as federal officials presented ceremonial checks to transit leaders. Metro unveiled one of its new electric buses.
This articulated bus featured the same gray, blue, and red color scheme as all Metrobuses, but with diagonal green stripes instead of the typical white stripes to signify its environmental mission. was included. The words “Clean,” “Quiet,” and “Zero Emissions” were emblazoned on the side.
“We are pleased that electric buses will depart from this depot, providing safe, clean, and efficient transportation for our customers. We are also pleased to partner with Fairfax County on all-electric bus rapid transit service from this facility. We look forward to it,” the Metro Commission said. Chairman Paul C. Smedberg said in a statement.
Metro aims to convert to zero-emission vehicles The agency currently relies on diesel-powered compressed gas buses and hybrid electric buses.
Rep. Gerald E. Connolly (D-Va.) said the shift will create jobs for mechanics and operators, who will learn new skills while working to develop electric vehicles, which will continue to be in demand. Stated.
“Investing in better and cleaner transport options for commuters will improve air quality, reduce congestion and help fight climate change,” he said.
Metro has ordered 12 all-electric buses this fiscal year. The two delivered units will be based at the Sheppard Parkway bus division in southwest DC while the Cinder Bed Road garage is renovated. Metro is also building a new bus garage in Northwest D.C. and rebuilding a bus depot in Bladensburg in the Northeast to include battery charging stations and repair facilities.
Metro leaders said part of the grant money will go toward purchasing buses. Metro is gradually phasing out its fleet with plans to add electric buses annually to replace aging electric buses. By 2042, the agency expects its bus fleet to include nearly 1,600 electric buses, housed in nine garages, and the infrastructure to support them constructed, refurbished and modified.
“Thanks to FTA’s support, we are excited to accelerate our transition to zero-emission buses and look forward to electric buses serving our customers in the near future,” said Metro General Manager Randy. Clark said in a statement.
Fairfax County plans to use part of the Cinder Bed Road garage to house and charge an all-electric bus rapid transit service that will run from Fort Belvoir to the subway by 2030. It is scheduled to run to Huntington Station.