METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Proterra launches Calif. electric bus demo

The demonstration project will introduce the San Joaquin RTD’s first fully electric buses into service, reducing energy consumption, waste and pollution in California’s Central Valley, an area of strategic importance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

June 6, 2012
Proterra launches Calif. electric bus demo

 

1 min to read


Proterra, in partnership with the Calif.-based San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD), was awarded a California Energy Commission (CEC) grant in the amount of $2.56 million towards an electric bus demonstration project valued at over $4 million.

The demonstration project will introduce the San Joaquin RTD’s first fully electric buses into service, reducing energy consumption, waste and pollution in California’s Central Valley, an area of strategic importance to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Ad Loading...

The grant award includes two new EcoRide BE35 battery-electric buses for RTD’s operating fleet. Proterra will also provide the automated fastcharging station for RTD’s Downtown Transit Center.

The buses and charge station will be delivered to RTD in the spring of 2013.

Proterra’s EcoRide BE35 battery-electric buses recharge in less than 10 minutes. The 35-foot long buses are made of lightweight composite materials and are powered with state of the art battery technology. As a result, the buses have zero emissions, run virtually silent and are 600% more fuel efficient than diesel buses, according to company officials.

More Bus

Rendering of Sound Transit's Renton Transit Center
Busby StaffFebruary 4, 2026

Seattle’s Sound Transit Breaks Ground on New Transit Center

The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.

Read More →
David Carol, Baker Alloush, and Jesse Lazarus from METRO's People Movement February 4 edition.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsFebruary 4, 2026

New Rolling Stock Strategy Lead at New York MTA and More in People Movement

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, NCTD, STV, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →
Railby StaffFebruary 2, 2026

Chicago Region Transit Ridership Grows in 2025

The region’s fixed-route system finished out the year with a total of 373.5 million rides. Adding 12.3 million rides over 2024 represents an increase that is equal to the annual transit ridership of Kansas City.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
King County Metro electric buses made by GILLIG.
Busby StaffJanuary 30, 2026

Seattle's King County Metro Introduces New Battery-Electric Buses

Rolling out in electric yellow and seafoam blue, the first battery-electric buses purchased from GILLIG will begin serving riders in south King County on February 2.

Read More →
Managementby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Valley Metro Sees Strong Ridership Growth in 2025

The agency ranked top five among mid-sized U.S. transit systems, defined as agencies with 15 million to 50 million annual trips.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 29, 2026

Subway Customer Satisfaction Reaches Record High, New York MTA Says

The subway system saw increases across all key metrics, with 62% of subway riders reporting they feel satisfied with the system overall.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Busby StaffJanuary 28, 2026

New Orleans RTA Reaches Agreement with ATU

The agreement provides competitive wages and reflects strong labor-management collaboration, positive working relationships, and a shared commitment to building a world-class transit system for the community, said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
Two ABQ RIDE busses at an intersection by Gold street in front of a parking structure.
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

ABQ RIDE Launches Campaign to Bring Riders Back to the Bus

A new citywide campaign highlights free fares, improved service, and major upgrades to Albuquerque’s bus system.

Read More →
Busby StaffJanuary 27, 2026

California's OCTA Advances 2026 Initiatives Centered on Balance and Sustainability

The priorities are outlined in the 2026 Board and CEO Initiatives and Action Plan, which serves as a roadmap to guide the agency’s work throughout the year and ensure continued progress and accountability on voter-approved transportation investments and essential mobility services.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Railby Staff and News ReportsJanuary 26, 2026

People Movement: Virginia's DRPT Names New Director and More

In this edition, we cover recent appointments and announcements at HDR, MCTS, and more, showcasing the individuals helping to shape the future of transportation.

Read More →