ABC Companies’ ‘Zero Emissions Tour’ Partners with MTRWestern, Proterra in Seattle

As part of the ABC Companies’ “Zero Emissions Tour,” MTRWestern put into operation a 75-passenger Proterra-powered battery electric Van Hool TDX25E double-deck motorcoach.

Piloting the use of this motorcoach, which can travel in excess of 260 miles between charges, MTRWestern is bringing zero emissions travel to many of its clients in the U.S. and Canada. The program culminated with a celebration of select stakeholders, environmentally-focused businesses, and government officials, highlighting “firsts” for MTRWestern and the ABC Companies Zero Emissions Tour including:

• The first-ever zero-emissions international revenue service route with cross-border service between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.
• Zero-emissions travel options for several charter and scheduled service routes carrying up to 75 passengers.

The partners co-sponsored a reception event on July 27 at the Victor Tavern at Denny Triangle, in Seattle where guests had the opportunity to network and learn more about the “tour” and how MTRWestern is utilizing the zero-emissions Van Hool TDX25E in scheduled fleet operations on both sides of the U.S./Canadian border. During the event, guests were invited to enjoy a first-hand experience aboard the TDX25E as part of a vehicle demonstration including a test drive. Earlier in the day, the bus traveled to the Seattle Center for photo ops highlighting iconic Seattle landmarks including the Space Needle, The Amazon Spheres, and the Seattle Museum of Pop Culture.

The integration of all electric options into MTRWestern services, signals the progress and multitude of benefits zero-emissions ground transportation brings to fleets and the communities they serve.

MTRWestern and Proterra’s involvement in the ABC Companies Zero Emissions Tour is key to educating stakeholders and lawmakers about the critical role high-capacity passenger vehicles like the Van Hool TDX25E motorcoach play in reducing greenhouse emissions in the transportation sector. Recent tour stops in the Northeast have already attracted the attention of the media and elected officials who see this as a tangible example of growing infrastructure needs to address vehicles that are in service today.

“We’re excited about the continued tour rollout, and the opportunities it offers operators like MTRWestern to raise awareness about our industry’s significant contribution to environmental sustainability in transforming our local and regional communities, while also having an impact on global carbon reduction,” said Roman Cornell, president and CCO at ABC Companies. “Through the Tour and with the growing number of electric vehicles ABC Companies has sold and currently supports, companies like MTRWestern are pioneering the many benefits of zero emissions transportation in their communities and with their customers.”