Big Blue Bus’s First Electric Bus Is Here!
August 26, 2019 9:11 AM
by Sirinya Matute
You can start looking for Big Blue Bus’s first Battery Electric Bus (BEB) on your favorite bus route!
The arrival of our first BEB marks the next step for preserving the environment and protecting our communities. We’ve deployed our inaugural BEB as part of a pilot program, designed to help us evaluate the technology, and better understand how to meet our goal of a zero-emissions fleet by 2030. Big Blue Bus (BBB) will also identify funding opportunities and best practices for future zero-emission buses. Our plan is to purchase and deploy an additional eighteen (18) zero-emission buses by 2021.
On the BEB, you can expect all of the on-board amenities currently available to BBB customers on our newest buses, including:
- Complimentary On-board Wifi: Now available on every new BBB.
- Passenger Awareness Monitor: To enhance safety, a 10-inch monitor will display a live feed from a security camera mounted near the front door.
- New, Faster Wheelchair Securement System: The Q-POD will allow for quicker wheelchair securement times, reduced vehicle dwell time, and increased passenger comfort and safety.
- More Space for Strollers, Suitcases, and Carts: Located near the Q-POD will be four (4) forward-facing seats that can be stowed in an upward position, creating additional space to store bulky items and keep the aisle clear.
- Brighter Destination Signs: To improve visibility, our destination signs will be powered by silver LED lights.
- Slip Resistant Flooring.
- EZ Stop System: A push-button system will be installed on every vertical stanchion inside the bus, making it easy for customers to request a stop. The buttons are ADA compliant and will emit a low-frequency sound that does not disrupt service animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
| How far can the BEB go on a single charge? |
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About 150 miles. The BEB has six (6) onboard batteries with a total capacity of 444 kWh. |
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How long will it take the BEB to recharge? |
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Under four (4) hours via two (2) ChargePoint Express chargers. The chargers will be powered by 100% renewable energy. |
| Why are we going electric? |
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Simply put – electric is cleaner, especially when its generated by 100% renewable sources. We have launched an ambitious plan to adopt a zero-emissions bus fleet by 2030, in parallel with state goals and the City of Santa Monica’s commitment to sustainability and the environment. As a public transit agency, we have a responsibility to safely connect people to opportunities that enrich their well-being – and do it in a way that greatly contributes to the preservation of people, place, and planet. |
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Who is the manufacturer of the first BEB? |
| Big Blue Bus partnered with transportation industry leaders GILLIG and Cummins to design, build, and test the groundbreaking zero emissions bus. From initial design through final assembly, the bus was built entirely in Livermore, California (as is all buses manufactured by GILLIG). |
Discover how our path to a zero-emissions future started, and learn more about our journey forward: bigbluebus.com/roadtozero.
Authored By
Sirinya Matute
Transportation Management Specialist