Officials including MetroLINK GM Jeff Nelson (center) celebrated the launch of the agency's five new Proterra buses.
2 min to read
Officials including MetroLINK GM Jeff Nelson (center) celebrated the launch of the agency's five new Proterra buses.
Moline, Ill.’s MetroLINK added five new Proterra battery-electric buses to their Metro fleet, bringing the total of battery-electric buses to eight.
In addition to the expansion of the battery-electric bus fleet, MetroLINK developed an innovative solution to deploy the latest depot charging equipment while maximizing safety and efficiently utilizing existing bus storage space. While most agencies wall-mount or pedestal-mount their chargers and distribute the dispensers and cords next to the electric buses, MetroLINK worked with a local engineering and electrical firm to design and install a ceiling mounted system. By finding an innovative way to mount its chargers, MetroLINK is able to reap the benefits of electric buses without having to change the layout of its bus depot, and it can continue to maximize space to install more chargers to support a larger electric bus fleet.
In 2002 MetroLINK began a clean air initiative with the introduction of clean-burning CNG buses. With 80% of the fleet currently running on CNG, the introduction of battery-electric buses is the next step in environmentally sustainable fleet technology. In addition to zero emissions, each battery-electric bus results in additional operational cost savings over the lifetime of the bus.
The electric buses offer a state of the art wheelchair securement system manufactured by Q’Straint, nine Apollo security cameras including all new 4K technology and a 360 degree camera system, and an electronic infotainment system manufactured by Luminator. Fueled with electricity provided by MidAmerican Energy, the buses have 30% fewer parts, with no liquid fuel or oil changes, thus reducing maintenance labor costs.
Traditionally, bus lane enforcement has relied on manual processes carried out by transit police or parking enforcement officers. While it may be effective in certain municipalities, this approach is resource-intensive and very difficult to sustain.
A phased approach to technology, in-house capabilities, and workforce investment is helping transportation leaders break the reactive cycle and build more resilient, revenue-focused operations.
The landmark event empowers riders across six agencies in the Puget Sound region to tap-and-ride transit using a contactless credit or debit card or a mobile wallet.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
Menard discusses how data-driven signal prioritization is improving efficiency, reliability, and ridership, while offering insight into the innovations driving the next generation of smart mobility. Together, they explore how technology and collaboration are paving the way for a more connected, sustainable future in transit.
The pilot program showcases two companies’ technology at eight bus stops. The companies submitted their ideas through the Transit Tech Lab, which is backed by the Partnership Fund for New York City and provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to solve public transportation challenges for the largest transit agencies in North America.
To accomplish this work, the MBTA announced that four phases of temporary evening service changes will begin on February 28 and continue through April.
