The Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) announced the addition of its first two new electric transit vehicles. The vehicles will run on several routes daily to reduce the authority’s vehicle emissions.

The vehicles were tested for safety and efficiency at the Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC) in East Liberty, Ohio, and at the Ohio State University Center for Automotive Research (CAR).

COTA said it expects the two new electric transit vehicles to begin service on Oct. 11.

“Our ambitious and achievable goals are for COTA to be diesel-free by 2025 with net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, and these electric transit vehicles are the latest step we are taking to make this a reality,” said Joanna M. Pinkerton, COTA president and CEO. “This is an integral part of COTA’s ongoing evolution of our fleet to ensure we are doing all we can to serve our communities and deliver environmentally responsible transportation solutions that will contribute to the health and prosperity of our neighborhoods.”

The two electric transit vehicles from New Flyer are COTA’s introduction of electric vehicles into the Columbus Region’s transit operations.

“I’m thrilled that COTA and the CRAA are investing in electric buses for the future of our city,” said Shannon Hardin, Columbus City Council president. “The introduction of these new electric transit vehicles and COTA’s commitment to remove all diesel vehicles from our roads by 2025 are a big deal for Columbus residents. Furthermore, these partners are pushing towards our community’s goal of becoming carbon neutral. By prioritizing affordable, sustainable transit and providing transportation choices, we can get there.”