METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Azure to deliver 5 Ford Transit electric vehicles to W. Michigan U.

University already operates 38 conventional Transit Connect vans. The university has other electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles in its service fleet.

October 31, 2011
1 min to read


Azure Dynamics Corp. announced 21 new Ford Transit Connect Electric sales, including a five unit sale to Western Michigan University (WMU).

Recognized for its innovative approaches and results with energy reduction, and backed by generous support from the Clean Energy Coalition, Kalamazoo, MI.-based WMU placed a five unit Transit Connect Electric order for use in its campus service fleet. WMU already operates 38 conventional Transit Connect vans. The university has other electric, hybrid and flex-fuel vehicles in its service fleet.

Ad Loading...

WMU also operates a co-generation plant, manages the entire 150 building campus with a central energy management system and has been following LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building standards for many years. It has consistently reduced its energy usage despite significant growth in its total square footage.

"These vehicles will help us continue to expand our environmental efforts and manage our resources more effectively, not only because of the economic advantage, but because it's the right thing to do for our students, faculty and staff, and the broader communities we serve," said Dr. John M. Dunn, president of WMU.

Believing that environmental sustainability is a critical global consideration, WMU leverages its multitude of energy investments as an important educational element for its students.

 

More Technology

A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →
Two Metra locomotives on rail tracks.
Railby StaffJuly 16, 2026

Metra Begins Drone Pilot Project to Boost Safety and Security

The project is funded through a $620,000 grant from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program, which provides transit agencies with funding for projects intended to protect critical transportation infrastructure and the traveling public.

Read More →
A rendering of ATP's light rail system in Pleasant Valley
Railby StaffJuly 16, 2026

Austin Transit Partnership Selects Stadler to Manufacture Light Rail Vehicles

The award marks the conclusion of a series of major procurements over 18 months, as outlined in ATP’s delivery plan, and keeps Austin Light Rail on track.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Reinventing Transit's Digital Future with Luminator's Magnus Friberg
Technologyby Alex RomanJuly 13, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
EPA Proposal Targets DEF-Related Engine Derates
Motorcoachby Alex RomanJuly 10, 2026

EPA Proposal to Ease Diesel Emissions Compliance Could Improve Reliability for Motorcoach Operators

The EPA is proposing to remove DEF-related engine derates for new heavy-duty diesel vehicles, a change bus operators say would improve safety and reliability while sparking debate over the future of emissions enforcement.

Read More →
A VIA bus
Technologyby StaffJuly 9, 2026

San Antonio's VIA Launches Second Year of Data Fellowship Program

The partnership gives Better Futures Scholars hands-on experience with real-world challenges while providing VIA with additional analytical capacity to support key agency priorities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A Master's Motors MM29 shuttle bus

Biz Briefs: Master's Motors Unveils New Shuttle Buses, Fare Collection, and More

In this edition of Biz Briefs, we spotlight the latest developments shaping the future of mobility.

Read More →
JTA Celebrates One Year of NAVI Service, Demonstrating the Future of Autonomous Public Transportation
New Mobilityby StaffJune 30, 2026

Florida's JTA Marks One Year NAVI Anniversary

During its first year of operation, NAVI has transported over 15,200 passengers and traveled more than 61,000 miles in autonomous mode without a safety incident caused by the autonomous driving system.

Read More →
Two MBTA railcars in station.
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

MBTA Debuts Managed Event Ticketing Platform With Masabi

Available through the MBTA mTicket app, the new offering enables eligible match attendees to purchase transportation tickets for dedicated services to Boston Stadium.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
California Expands Public Transit Strategy
Technologyby StaffJune 29, 2026

Executive Order Aims to Improve Transit Access Across California

The order directs state agencies to streamline transit project delivery, improve coordination, and expand access to bus and passenger rail services across California.

Read More →