San Diego MTS begins Construction on Large-Scale Charging System
The agency will be installing the Schunk SLS 301 series Depot Charging Pantograph, which offers a quicker and safer hands-free electric vehicle charge.
The $8.5 million overhead gantry charging system is capable of charging 24 battery-electric buses at a time, and it is expandable to add more charging capacity as MTS transitions its fleet to all electric over the coming years.
San Diego MTS
The San Diego Metropolitan System (MTS) celebrated the start of construction on its new overhead electric bus charging system in the San Diego region.
The $8.5 million overhead gantry charging system is capable of charging 24 battery-electric buses at a time, and it is expandable to add more charging capacity as MTS transitions its fleet to all electric over the coming years. MTS will be installing the Schunk SLS 301 series Depot Charging Pantograph, which offers a quicker and safer hands-free electric vehicle charge. Buses can be docked in the depot in seconds and fully charged in just a few hours, which offers advantages for efficient operations for a clean energy fleet.
Construction is expected to be completed by early 2023, just in time for the new Iris Rapid route, which will consist of 60-foot electric buses serving one of the busiest South Bay corridors between Imperial Beach and Otay Mesa. MTS has plans to build similar overhead gantry charging systems at its other bus facilities by 2028.
More Zero Emissions
Ohio’s METRO RTA Turns Electric Buses into Mobile Power Sources at PorchROKR
See how three Gillig battery-electric buses powered festival stages while the agency’s new Park & Ride service carried approximately 1,000 attendees, demonstrating another potential use for transit agencies’ electric fleets.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
California's VVTA Begins Phased Rollout of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses
The agency is introducing 13 zero-emission buses into revenue service while evaluating performance across its urban, rural, and long-distance routes.
Read More →
Inside Look: University at Buffalo Puts First 8 Electric Buses Into Stampede Service
UB, transportation solutions provider WeDriveU, and fleet electrification specialist Zenobē marked the deployment in the presence of students, university administrators, and local officials.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
CTDOT Taps STV for Electric Bus Facility Design
The firm will work with CTDOT and RVT to define the facility layout, operational requirements, and long-term flexibility for RVT’s growing electric fleet.
Read More →
Chicago’s Pace Deploys 24 Hybrid-Electric Buses in Will County
The new buses reduce emissions and fuel consumption while advancing the agency's long-term goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →
DASH Breaks Ground on First On-Route Electric Bus Chargers in D.C. Region
The fast-charging infrastructure will help extend electric bus range, improve fleet utilization, and support DASH's goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →