METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Santa Barbara MTD adopts goal for 100% zero-emission fleet by 2030

MTD operates the second-largest active electric bus fleet in California with 14 fully battery-electric buses out of a total fleet of 112.

November 26, 2018
Santa Barbara MTD adopts goal for 100% zero-emission fleet by 2030

Santa Barbara MTD’s Board of Directors has adopted a goal of a 100% zero-emissions fleet by the year 2030.

1 min to read


Santa Barbara MTD’s Board of Directors has adopted a goal of a 100% zero-emissions fleet by the year 2030.

Santa Barbara MTD’s Board of Directors has adopted a goal of a 100% zero-emissions fleet by the year 2030.

Santa Barbara MTD has long been a forerunner in the battery-electric bus space, having run the first electric bus fleet in the U.S. back in 1991, according to agency officials. MTD still boasts the second-largest active electric bus fleet in California with 14 fully battery-electric buses out of a total fleet of 112.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is expected to adopt new Innovative Clean Transit Standards in 2019, mandating phased future purchasing of buses for California transit operators be zero-emission. The 2030 goal adopted by the MTD would meet those requirements on a faster schedule.

“We salute the MTD board for adopting a 100% electric bus goal. Diesel pollution causes cancer, asthma and contributes to climate change. It is particularly important to show a commitment to carbon-free transportation now as California grapples with a year-round fire season driven by climate change,” said Katie Davis, Sierra Club Santa Barbara Group Chair.

More Bus

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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Ad Loading...
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 →
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 →
Security and SafetyJanuary 22, 2026

Researchers Identify Top Risk Factors for Pedestrian-vehicle Crashes at Massachusetts Bus Stops

While their comprehensive analysis of bus stops focused on Massachusetts, the researchers are excited about the generalizability of the findings and application to other locations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ManagementJanuary 22, 2026

Florida's JTA Unveils Mobility Visioning Plan 2050 at State of the Authority Event

CEO Nat Ford’s address offered a look at highlights from 2025, with a focus on the future and the innovative ways the JTA is shaping mobility in Northeast Florida.

Read More →