[Press Release] : FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: COMO Connect to expand electric bus fleet through $1.7 million grant

[Press Releases]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Drew Brooks 
Multi-Modal Manager 
573-874-7281

COMO Connect to expand electric bus fleet through $1.7 million grant

COLUMBIA, MO (July 28, 2016) - The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced on Wednesday the City of Columbia’s Public Transit System, COMO Connect, as a recipient of a $1.7 million grant.  The Low or No Emissions Vehicle Program is a competitive grant that is allocated through submitted proposals to the FTA.

COMO Connect expects to fund at least three 30-foot electric buses that will replace existing diesel buses in the fleet.  

The announcement comes before the delivery of three electric buses scheduled to arrive in mid-August. The buses are estimated to save 70 percent on maintenance costs when compared to COMO Connect’s current diesel buses.

The Public Works Department’s Multi-Modal Manager Drew Brooks said that a resolution for five additional 40-foot electric buses is scheduled to be presented at the August 15 City Council meeting. All electric bus additions will be from BYD Motors, Inc.

“The City of Columbia is honored to have been awarded this grant and looks forward to growing our partnership with BYD. We continue to see impressive results from our current battery electric bus and can't wait to expand this technology,” Brooks said.

COMO Connect plans to utilize the electric fleet for the core connector routes with the most frequent service and the evening Tiger Line routes. 

Columbia was one of 20 cities to receive funding from this competitive grant totaling $55 million.



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