Houston Metro's Transition to Electric Buses: A Step Towards Sustainable Public Transport
Key Ideas
  • Houston Metro has introduced battery-electric buses on its routes '402 Bellaire Quickline' and '28 OST', enhancing the sustainability of public transport in the city.
  • The transition aligns with the agency's goal of providing accessible and equitable transportation options, especially benefiting minority and low-income communities.
  • An FTA grant will help Houston Metro expand its electric bus fleet, including hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, demonstrating a commitment to environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
  • The city of Houston is also electrifying its municipal fleet, showcasing a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions across various departments.
Houston Metro has taken a significant step towards sustainable public transport by replacing ageing buses on the '402 Bellaire Quickline' and '28 OST' routes with battery-electric buses. The '28 OST – Wayside' route now features five electric buses running between Ben Taub Hospital and the Denver Harbor Transit Center. This transition is part of the agency's efforts to provide accessible and equitable transportation options, particularly benefiting minority, low-income, and transit-dependent populations. The introduction of electric buses is supported by a Federal Transit Administration grant that will help Houston Metro expand its fleet to include 20 electric buses and 14 hydrogen fuel cell electric buses in the coming years. The agency's commitment to environmental justice and sustainable solutions is evident in its decision to invest in cleaner public transportation. While specific bus models were not mentioned, the electric buses in the fleet are from Nova Bus and were ordered as a fleet of 20 buses in early 2022, with the potential to double the order later. These battery-electric LFSe+ buses have a substantial battery capacity and range, accommodating up to 68 passengers. In addition to public transport electrification, the city of Houston has also purchased 97 battery-electric vehicles for various municipal departments, including the police and fire departments. This holistic approach towards electrification demonstrates a broader commitment to sustainability and reducing emissions across multiple sectors of the city's infrastructure.
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