MCTS Takes Battery-Electric Buses Out of Service Temporarily
Nova Bus, the manufacturer of the electric buses, notified MCTS of a potential issue that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.
While the risk is low, MCTS said it made the decision that the CONNECT 1 BRT will be served by clean diesel buses until the batteries have been replaced.
Photo: MCTS
Due to a manufacturer's recall, and out of caution, the Milwaukee County Transit System announced it will remove all Nova Bus LFSe+ battery-electric buses from the CONNECT 1 Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line temporarily.
Nova Bus, the manufacturer of the electric buses, notified MCTS of a potential issue that may have occurred during the manufacturing process.
While the risk is low, MCTS said it made the decision that the CONNECT 1 BRT will be served by clean diesel buses until the batteries have been replaced. The electric buses are operated only on the BRT.
Nova Bus' Communication with MCTS
Nova Bus formally notified MCTS about the potential concern via letter on Aug. 24.
Following a safety-related analysis of the issue, Nova Bus has determined the bus is still safe to drive. However, MCTS will park the buses at its maintenance facility as a precautionary step.
“We made the decision to take our battery-electric buses off the BRT line until the batteries are replaced. Even though Nova Bus did not recommend that course of action, we felt it was important,” said Denise Wandke, MCTS president and managing director. “We are confident that Nova Bus’s proactive recall shows their commitment to safety and product quality. The new Bus Rapid Transit line, which launched in June, has been extremely popular with the community. Battery-electric buses are a unique part of the CONNECT 1 experience, and we look forward to seeing them back on the line as soon as the issue is resolved.”
Battery replacements under this recall will be performed on all 11 electric buses at no cost to MCTS.
More Zero Emissions
Ohio’s METRO RTA Turns Electric Buses into Mobile Power Sources at PorchROKR
See how three Gillig battery-electric buses powered festival stages while the agency’s new Park & Ride service carried approximately 1,000 attendees, demonstrating another potential use for transit agencies’ electric fleets.
Read More →
CALSTART and Forth Combine to Form Catalyst Mobility
The new name represents a renewed vision for the nonprofit focused on advancing clean, equitable, and affordable transportation solutions that move people and goods.
Read More →
Building a Flexible Path to Transit Electrification
John Hroncich discusses BAE Systems’ modular and scalable approach, lessons learned from decades of real-world operations, and how agencies can identify electrification strategies that fit their fleets.
Read More →
California's VVTA Begins Phased Rollout of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Buses
The agency is introducing 13 zero-emission buses into revenue service while evaluating performance across its urban, rural, and long-distance routes.
Read More →
Inside Look: University at Buffalo Puts First 8 Electric Buses Into Stampede Service
UB, transportation solutions provider WeDriveU, and fleet electrification specialist Zenobē marked the deployment in the presence of students, university administrators, and local officials.
Read More →
Biz Briefs: OCTA Taps Clean Energy for Hydrogen Station, Stadler to Supply Via Rail Vehicles, and More
From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.
Read More →
AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Building the Next Generation of Transit Maintenance Leaders
The agency’s maintenance chief discusses leadership, workforce development, zero-emission technology, and preparing technicians for the future of public transportation.
Read More →
CTDOT Taps STV for Electric Bus Facility Design
The firm will work with CTDOT and RVT to define the facility layout, operational requirements, and long-term flexibility for RVT’s growing electric fleet.
Read More →
Chicago’s Pace Deploys 24 Hybrid-Electric Buses in Will County
The new buses reduce emissions and fuel consumption while advancing the agency's long-term goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →
DASH Breaks Ground on First On-Route Electric Bus Chargers in D.C. Region
The fast-charging infrastructure will help extend electric bus range, improve fleet utilization, and support DASH's goal of transitioning to a fully zero-emission fleet.
Read More →