Zero Emission Electric Buses

The push for clean transportation is as much about cleaning our urban air as it is preventing global climate disruption. Zero emission buses (ZEBs) offer a great way to get people where they want to go, while reducing the number of vehicles on the road to create safer streets for pedestrians. They also present a huge opportunity to slash pollution in our more vulnerable communities where diesel & hybrid-diesel buses most frequently operate.

A zero emission bus uses electricity to power a battery, and a number of companies are manufacturing zero emission buses that operate without overhead wires. This means no gasoline, no dirty oil changes, and no cough-inducing exhaust. They achieve 3-4 times the per-mile efficiency of hybrid-diesel & compressed natural gas buses, while offering (as the name suggests) zero tailpipe emissions. Even after factoring in the emissions from the electricity used to power them, each zero emission bus will reduce carbon emissions by upwards of 270,000 pounds per year compared to diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.

You Might Be Riding In One Already

Here in Massachusetts, the Worcester Regional Transit Authority is currently operating six ZEBs on daily routes. Next time you ride Worcester Transit, take a look. You may be riding electric! The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority of Massachusetts introduced three ZEBs into their fleet in September 2016. Several other transit authorities across the country, including Seattle, WA and Los Angeles, CA have also adopted battery-electric buses into their fleets and are already seeing the benefits. The state of California has committed to transitioning its entire 12,000+ bus fleet to zero emission buses by the year 2040, and requires all new purchases to be zero emission starting in 2029.

Zero Emission Electric Bus from PVTA in Holyoke, Robert Kearns

Massachusetts is receiving $75M in funding through the Volkswagen Settlement for clean transportation programs that reduce smog causing oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is the lead agency for distributing these funds. In July 2018, MassDEP announced the Year 1 phase of these investments. Both the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority and Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority were awarded a total of $11 million to procure more zero emission buses. An additional $5 million was allocated to the state's MassEVIP program, and another $7.5 million was made available for proposals through an application process. Read our Volkswagen Settlement Factsheet for Cities and Towns to advocate for use of these funds in your community.

Massachusetts Sierra Club remains active in advocating for a zero emission public transit system. We are working alongside community partners and building a strong coalition to push for an accelerated transition to electric buses. For more detailed information on the benefits of zero emission buses, check out our Zero Emission Bus Flyer and Factsheet, and this informative article entitled "For U.S. Transit Agencies, The Future for Buses Is Electric".