Delaware received a $2.6 million grant award from the Federal Transit Administration to purchase zero-emission transit buses.
This is the third competitive grant from the Low or No Emission Bus and Bus Facilities grant program that Delaware has received for electric transit buses and associated charging systems.
n total, DTC has received $5.6 million and plans to have 20 electric buses state-wide by the beginning of 2021. The state is already operating six electric buses in Kent County. DART has more than 200 buses in its fleet (not including its DAST service for the disabled).
Electric buses are four to five times more efficient and have faster acceleration than comparable diesel buses. The buses get 150-200 miles per charge and have lower maintenance costs than diesel buses, a release stated.
The buses have not been widely used in the U.S., due in part to issues that incude a high initial cost, charging station placement, performance in hilly conditions or cold weather and a preference for diesel engines. China is the leader in electric buses.
Delaware is in a high pollution area, with diesel fumes a further concern. When DART had a transit hub on Rodney Square, diesel fumes were cited as a quality of life issue.
“Climate change is real for Delawareans and Delaware families,” said Gov. John Carney who joined the state’s congressional delegation and state officials in announcing the grant. “Delaware is the lowest-lying state in the country, and 17,000 homes here are at risk of permanent inundation. Rising temperatures and stronger storms threaten our $8 billion agricultural industry and our natural resources. It’s critically important that we work together to take this threat seriously and confront climate change.”
“We know that promoting zero-emission vehicles, such as electric vehicles, is one of the best ways we can modernize and clean up our transportation sector, which is now our country’s single largest source of global warming pollution. More electric vehicles on our roads means cleaner air and a better climate. And these buses aren’t just cleaner and more climate-friendly—they also run quieter, accelerate faster and they’re four to five times more efficient than their diesel-run counterparts,” said Sen. Tom Carper. “With this funding, the First State will soon have 20 electric buses on its roads, helping Delawareans reach their destinations in a more efficient and environmentally friendly way.”
State Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan added, “We continue to work to improve the overall customer experience and to make our public transportation more accessible. In addition to the reduced impact on the environment and lower operating costs, these buses offer an extremely quiet ride as well as a faster loading and unloading process for our customers with disabilities.”
