MTS has ignited their new Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) Pilot Program which will eliminate tailpipe emissions by 100%, support climate action goals, and create good jobs in the electrical industy!
On behalf of over 3,400 union electrical workers and power professionals, IBEW Local 569 applauds MTS in taking this exciting step forward.
We have been advocating for this transition from dirty fossil fuels to clean transit with our partners at Sierra Club for a long time.
As we know, zero-emission buses will benefit public health through cleaner air, help us address climate change and create electrical work opportunities here in our region.
Our IBEW 569 members are excited, skilled and trained to make sure the EV infrastructure installations are done on time and on budget.
We look forward to collaborating with MTS to ensure a safe, successful program that benefits transit riders and workers, achieves the milestones in California’s Innovative Clean Transit rule and reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation pollution.
Currently, all of MTS’s 40- and 60-foot fixed route buses are fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). State regulations require public transit agencies to gradually transition to 100 percent zero-emissions bus fleets by 2040. MTS has initiated a Zero-Emissions Bus Pilot Program so that its staff can get ready for that mandate. During the 18-month pilot program beginning November 4, 2019, MTS will be deploying six electric buses on selected routes and analyzing vehicle performance under various conditions, including different climates, route profiles, passenger loads and driving characteristics. MTS will also use the pilot period to train all bus operators on the most efficient driving habits.
More details on the MTS Zero Emissions Bus Pilot Program: https://www.sdmts.com/inside-mts-current-projects/zero-emissions-bus-pilot-program
