MENU
SEARCHWith the most recent delivery of six electric buses from GILLIG this October, SMRT’s operational zero-emission fleet now totals 40 vehicles.
While the remaining stock of diesel buses must be kept in use until they meet their federally defined useful life, SMRT has reached the critical threshold of vehicles necessary to operate a 100% electric fleet.
Photo: SMRT
California’s Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) announced the successful culmination of a four-year initiative to transition to a fully 100% battery-electric transit fleet.
With the most recent delivery of six electric buses from GILLIG this October, SMRT’s operational zero-emission fleet now totals 40 vehicles, securing its place as perhaps only the second transit agency in the U.S. to complete this conversion to a 100% zero-emission transit fleet.
"These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing financial prudence and a focus on long-term security," said Gamaliel Anguiano, transit services manager for SMRT. "By converting to an all-electric fleet, we are moving SMRT toward greater independence from volatile global fuel markets and potential supply chain issues while also realizing substantial operating cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year. This investment in our community's future is a practical step towards fulfilling our objectives of being a ‘Smart City, Safe City.’"
The significant accomplishment ensures that SMRT has sufficient electric vehicles and charging infrastructure on hand to operate a fleet of solely electric cars across its fixed-route, paratransit, microtransit, and support vehicle segments.
While the remaining stock of diesel buses must be kept in use until they meet their federally defined useful life, SMRT has reached the critical threshold of vehicles necessary to operate a 100% electric fleet.
The transition to a fully electric fleet provides tangible benefits beyond emission savings, according to SMRT officials:
Substantial Operating Cost Savings: Electric vehicles require less maintenance and eliminate reliance on costly, fluctuating diesel fuel. This transition is projected to save SMRT approximately $400,000 per year.
Insulation from Supply Chain Issues: With electric vehicles having up to 75% fewer moving parts, SMRT reduces its exposure to supply chain issues, ensuring greater stability of service for the community.
Technological Modernization: The new fleet represents a significant upgrade, offering improved performance and advanced features, including cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, technologically advanced interiors, and enhanced safety capabilities.
SMRT is committed to offering efficient and reliable transit solutions that are sustainable and financially sound for the community, said officials.
Photo: SMRT
The major shift was made possible through the financial support provided by both the State of California and the Federal Transit Administration funds.
SMRT is committed to offering efficient and reliable transit solutions that are sustainable and financially sound for the community.
In Part 2 of a two-part conversation, AC Transit’s director of maintenance joins co-hosts Alex Roman and Mark Hollenbeck to discuss his maintenance team’s work with various types of vehicle, training, augmented reality, and more.
Read More →
Coalition leaders outline priorities for preserving bus funding, maintaining competitive grants, and ensuring flexibility for transit agencies nationwide.
Read More →
Two battery-electric buses entered service on Earth Day, with four additional vehicles expected to join the fleet this summer. Seven more buses are planned for the end of 2027, bringing Metro’s total zero-emission fleet to 13.
Read More →
Agencies from California to New York offered fare-free rides, community cleanups, and new tools to showcase transit’s role in cutting emissions.
Read More →
A 5% rise in deliveries and a surge in zero-emission buses signaled progress in 2025, but high costs, long lead times, and shifting funding priorities continue to cloud the outlook.
Read More →
The Santa Monica agency’s new charging infrastructure and fleet expansion aim to improve air quality, equity, and long-term system resilience.
Read More →
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
Sustainability Partners’ Arnold Albiar discusses how a service-based approach is helping airports and public agencies deploy and manage electric fleets more efficiently.
Read More →
NYSERDA funding will support electric microtransit and secure bike storage to improve first- and last-mile connections across downstate New York.
Read More →
In this conversation, TBC’s Executive Director Ed Redfern, President Corey Aldridge, and Washington Representative Joel Rubin outline the coalition’s key policy priorities, the challenges facing transit agencies, and how industry stakeholders can work together to strengthen the voice of bus transit at the federal level.
Read More →