With a range of approximately 150 miles on a single charge and a capacity of up to 32 passengers, depending on configuration, the K9S is ideally suited for the needs of Baton Rouge.
BYD announced a new order that will see three American-made BYD K9S electric buses deployed in Baton Rouge, La., under the authority of the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) later this year.
“In every corner of the continent, we are witnessing rapid growth in the electrification of bus fleets,” said Macy Neshati, BYD sr. VP. “Whether you are looking at the hot and humid climates of the ‘Deep South,’ the wet weather of the Northwest or the frigid climates of the North, BYD buses are workhorses that can handle any condition.”
With a range of approximately 150 miles on a single charge and a capacity of up to 32 passengers, depending on configuration, the K9S is ideally suited for the needs of Baton Rouge. BYD buses are projected to cost roughly one dollar less per mile to operate than the typical diesel-powered bus. The new buses produce zero emissions and make oil changes a thing of the past. The proprietary BYD Iron-Phosphate battery is non-toxic, 100% recyclable, fire-safe, and incredibly long-cycled. In fact, BYD is the first and only electric bus manufacturer to offer a full 12-year warranty on batteries.
“We are excited to incorporate electric buses into our planned bus rapid transit projects in Baton Rouge,” said Bill Deville, CATS CEO. “These buses will allow us to see how we can use electric buses to reduce the impact of our fleet on our environment and also control costs.”
CATS, which operates 29 bus lines, provides bus service to residents of and visitors to Baton Rouge. To CATS leaders, the new buses constitute an important opportunity to innovate.
With this launch, RABA is also now live on Cal-ITP Benefits, becoming the ninth transit agency in California to join the platform and the first small transit provider in the state to offer automated, real-time low-income fare eligibility verification through Tap2Ride.
Officials said the investment reflects the agency’s commitment to modernizing operator training while improving safety and operational readiness across the system.
Now in its latest edition, the awards recognize forward-thinking solutions that improve safety, operational efficiency, sustainability, rider experience, and overall system performance.
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.
The railroad has issued a formal request for proposals to manufacturers for more than 800 new passenger railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes nationwide.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
Vehicles that improperly use busways and bus lanes, block bus stops, or illegally double-park will receive warning notices in the mail for an initial period of 60 days, followed by summonses thereafter.
The project, finalized on February 12, provides the city with two different configurations of high-definition cameras to outfit 16 buses in the Pretzel City Area Transit fleet.
