MCTS Takes Battery-Electric Buses Out of Service Temporarily

Due to a manufacturer's recall, and out of caution, the Milwaukee County Transit System announced it will remove all Nova Bus LFSe+ battery-electric buses from the CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line temporarily.

Nova Bus, the manufacturer of the electric buses, notified MCTS of a potential issue that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.

While the risk is low, MCTS said it made the decision that the CONNECT 1 BRT will be served by clean diesel buses until the batteries have been replaced. The electric buses are operated only on the BRT.

Nova Bus' Communication with MCTS

Nova Bus formally notified MCTS about the potential concern via letter on Aug. 24.

Following a safety-related analysis of the issue, Nova Bus has determined the bus is still safe to drive. However, MCTS will park the buses at its maintenance facility as a precautionary step.

“We made the decision to take our battery-electric buses off the BRT line until the batteries are replaced. Even though Nova Bus did not recommend that course of action, we felt it was important,” said Denise Wandke, MCTS president and managing director. “We are confident that Nova Bus’s proactive recall shows their commitment to safety and product quality. The new Bus Rapid Transit line, which launched in June, has been extremely popular with the community. Battery-electric buses are a unique part of the CONNECT 1 experience, and we look forward to seeing them back on the line as soon as the issue is resolved.”

Battery replacements under this recall will be performed on all 11 electric buses at no cost to MCTS.