METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Calif.'s SamTrans to add 10 Proterra battery-electric buses

The $9.2 million purchase is fully funded by a combination of federal, state, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and SamTrans funds.

March 12, 2018
Calif.'s SamTrans to add 10 Proterra battery-electric buses

The new 40-foot Proterra buses will be used throughout SamTrans service area and can carry up to 38 seated passengers with up to another 18 riders standing.

2 min to read


The new 40-foot Proterra buses will be used throughout SamTrans service area and can carry up to 38 seated passengers with up to another 18 riders standing.

Calif.’s SamTrans Board of Directors voted to replace 10 diesel buses with Proterra battery electric buses. These new buses, along with the 25 hybrid buses already in service, are part of SamTrans’ effort to reduce its fleet’s emissions.

The $9.2 million purchase is fully funded by a combination of federal, state, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, and SamTrans funds. The new buses will replace the 2003 40-foot diesel buses, some of the oldest vehicles in the SamTrans fleet. The diesel buses have reached the end of their useful life and are due for replacement to ensure continued reliable service for passengers and compliance with Federal Transit Administration and Metropolitan Transportation Commission guidelines.

Ad Loading...

The new 40-foot buses will be used throughout SamTrans service area and can carry up to 38 seated passengers with up to another 18 riders standing. Like all SamTrans buses, the new buses have priority seating for seniors and people with disabilities and exterior bike racks that can accommodate up to three bikes.

In addition, the new buses will have USB charging ports on all double seats. The buses will have disc brakes, which are becoming an industry standard as they require less maintenance and upkeep. The buses have a low-floor design, which will mean that the buses will be equipped with ramps rather than lifts, and Q-Pod wheelchair restraint systems to secure wheelchair users, which are easier for operators and include additional safety features beyond the existing ratchet-based system.

The board also voted to furnish SamTrans’ maintenance facilities with charging stations for the electric buses. These buses can be expected to begin service early in 2019.

More Technology

A person tapping their mobile card to ride LA Metro
Technologyby StaffMay 29, 2026

LA Metro Launches New Mobile App, Contactless Payment Options

Available on Metro and at 26 TAP-participating transit agencies, the system reduces waiting times, speeds boarding, and improves convenience systemwide, said the agency.

Read More →
METROspectives episode with Joshua Schank
Technologyby Alex RomanMay 29, 2026

Joshua Schank on Transportation Innovation, Risk, and the Future of Mobility

In this edition of METROspectives, the co-author of New Tricks for Old Bureaucracies, discusses lessons from launching LA Metro’s Office of Extraordinary Innovation, the challenges of advancing new mobility technologies, and much more.

Read More →
Biz Briefs for May 29, 2026

Biz Briefs: Foothill Gold Line Award, Matawan Contract, and More

From strategic partnerships to acquisitions and service expansions, the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Find out all the latest here.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue OCTA transit bus at a bus stop.
Technologyby StaffMay 28, 2026

OCTA Sees Growing Adoption of Wave Fare Payment System

Since launching in October 2025, the Wave system has steadily replaced previous fare media with faster, more flexible payment options designed to streamline boarding, improve reliability, and help riders more easily access fare discounts and cost-saving benefits, said OCTA

Read More →
HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 27, 2026

The Evolving Role of Program Management in Transit Delivery

Brian Buchanan, HDR’s transit program management lead, discusses how agencies can strengthen governance, anticipate risk and deliver large-scale projects more effectively.

Read More →
A Heliox charger on KC Metro property

King County Test Heliox Chargers, Keolis Lands California Contract Top Biz Briefs

Stay informed with these quick takes on the projects and companies driving progress across the transportation landscape.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Conduent and Modaxo logos
Technologyby StaffMay 22, 2026

Modaxo Acquires Conduent Public Transit Business in $164M Deal

The sale has a purchase price of $164 million. The companies expect the transaction to close before the end of 2026, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals.

Read More →
MTA Metro-North Railroad railcar up close
Railby StaffMay 22, 2026

New York MTA Issues RFP for 252 Metro-North Passenger Cars

The competitive RFP includes an option to purchase an additional 377 cars, reserved for future expansions of the Metro-North service area. 

Read More →
Spare logo for Fixed Route Platform
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Spare Expands AI-Native Operations Platform With Fixed-Route Capabilities

The launch marks a major milestone in Spare’s vision for unified transit operations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Trinity Metro On Demand Vehicle
Technologyby StaffMay 19, 2026

Via Announces Scheduling and Supply Studio

The Scheduling and Supply Studio provides the world’s first fully integrated platform for optimizing vehicle and driver availability to rider demand, said company officials.

Read More →