UPDATE
The project is focused on the successful demonstration of
automated technology on public roads, collection of relevant data
to inform future policymaking, and advancement of Advanced
Driving Assist System (ADAS) technology for enhanced safety.
The zero-emission electric buses will demonstrate Society of
Automotive Engineers (SAE) J3016 Level 4 technology with an
on-board safety attendant to operate on the CTfastrak bus rapid
transit corridor, a dedicated nine-mile-long facility for exclusive use
by CTtransit buses.
New Flyer will integrate the Robotic Research automated driving
technology into the Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses, CTE will serve as
project manager and technical consultant for the program, and
New Flyer Infrastructure Solutions™ will support the installation
and integration of the electric bus charging equipment. Robotic
Research will supply, configure, and support the automated driving
systems integrated in the Xcelsior CHARGE™ buses.
The announcement follows New Flyer’s May 2019 launch of an
Automated Technology Program and partnership with Marylandbased
Robotic Research. For nearly 20 years, Robotic Research has
been a leader in autonomous system development and deployment.
Prevost expands Clean + Care
Program with “Ready to Go” package
Prevost expanded its Clean + Care program in June with
the release of “Ready to Go,” a package of easy to use tools
designed to help operators restart their business. The new
program includes messaging and marketing for bus and tour
businesses including many new processes and procedures to
support operators with reassuring riders that they can safely
resume group bus travel.
“We realize operators have many new procedures to keep in
mind as they start up business again,” said Prevost’s Director
of Marketing Michael Power. “Communicating these new
activities can be done easily using the tools in our “Ready
To Go” program. Operators can choose from the package
the resources they need to lead their communication and
marketing efforts.”
The customizable “Ready To Go” program for operators’
restart of business includes:
• Press release
• Social media posts
• Website content
• Email letter to customers
• Coach cleaning checklist
• Disinfection procedures
• All are available in English, French and Spanish
Details on these resources and programs can be found on
the Prevost website and customer communications page at
https://prevostcar.com/covid-19updates.
Proterra congratulates transit
agencies awarded Low-No grants
Proterra, a leading innovator in heavy-duty electric transportation,
recently announced that eight transit agencies won Federal Transit
Administration (FTA) Low or No Emission Program Grants (Low-
No) for Proterra battery-electric buses and charging infrastructure.
The eight transit agency partners include four of Proterra’s current
customers and four new customers.
A cornerstone of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation
(FAST) Act, the Low-No grants support the deployment of transit
buses and infrastructure that use advanced technologies. Eligible
projects include those that replace, rehabilitate, lease or purchase
low or no emission buses and bus-related equipment and facilities.
By partnering with Proterra on a Low-No application, transit
agencies can utilize an expedited project delivery approach to
streamline the deployment of vehicles that best meet their specific
transit system needs.
“Investing in zero-emission transportation has never been more
important and federal grant programs like Low-No are instrumental
in helping transit agencies deploy battery-electric buses and EV
infrastructure,” said Proterra CEO Jack Allen. “We are excited to help
deliver the critical benefits of clean, quiet transportation to our eight
partnered transit agencies and additional Low-No recipients.”
Proterra works with individual transit agencies to identify the
grant, loan or financing program that best suits the agency’s needs.
One of the most popular financing options is Proterra’s battery
leasing program, which lowers the upfront cost of the vehicle to be
competitively priced against diesel. Customers can also lease their
buses through municipal capital or operating leases. Additionally,
Proterra can also help lower the upfront cost of EV infrastructure by
retaining ownership of the energy delivery system needed to power
electric fleets.
Proterra battery-electric transit buses produce zero tailpipe
emissions and decrease dependency on fossil fuels, contributing
to cleaner air for all communities. Transportation is one of the
leading sources of air pollution, and public transit plays a vital role in
reducing emissions from transportation. Fleet operators are further
reducing emissions with battery-electric buses, which displace
230,000 pounds of CO2 per year for each diesel bus replaced.
Zero-emission buses also eliminate the harmful particulate matter
that comes from traditional transit bus tailpipe emissions. To date,
Proterra electric buses have already displaced more than 55 million
pounds of CO2 emissions.
Six leading operators form North
American Transit Alliance
In June, six of the largest private transit operating firms came
together to form the North American Transit Alliance (NATA).
The group will help cities in North America flourish by promoting
innovative transportation solutions that ensure transit is safe, clean,
and prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
12 | BUSRIDE.COM | AUG / SEPT 2020