FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 17, 2017
MARTA Goes Green with New Electric Buses
Authority Tests Proterra's 40-ft Battery Electric Bus, Explores Additional Cleaner Transportation Options for Fleet
ATLANTA— Residents in Fulton and DeKalb counties will soon see
a new electric bus added to various routes. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid
Transit Authority (MARTA) is going green with
a pilot program debuting Proterra’s Catalyst electric bus.
The 40-foot Catalyst is on loan to MARTA for the next 30 days as
the Authority explores cleaner transportation options. MARTA’s General
Manager/CEO Keith Parker led a tour of the new electric bus on March 17.
“We can’t take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to providing
services to our customers,” said Parker. “Whether we are utilizing a shorter
30-foot bus for various circulator routes or a higher-capacity double-decker
bus for our most traveled routes, it’s about identifying the best option for
addressing our customers’ needs.”
Currently, MARTA’s bus fleet is inclusive of diesel, hybrid
and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. “MARTA continues to consider options
to diversify our fleet by testing a range of alternative fuel innovations to
greatly reduce our overall carbon footprint while enhancing the safety and
comfort of our passengers,” Parker said.
The Catalyst, which fully recharges
in less than 10 minutes, holds up to 40 seated passengers and can travel more
than three hours on a single charge. MARTA Operations has outfitted the test
routes with periodic rapid charging stations.
“As a central hub
for the region, the Atlanta metropolitan area is a perfect location for
residents and visitors to experience the benefits of our American-made,
state-of-the-art electric buses,” said Proterra’s Regional Director of Sales
Mike Hennessy. “We’re pleased to work with MARTA on this demonstration project,
and look forward to continue helping the Atlanta community transition to a
sustainable transportation future.”
For more details, visit www.itsmarta.com/expandmarta or contact MOREMARTA@itsmarta.com.
Check out photos from the March 17 event HERE.
MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker and Proterra’s Regional Sales
Director Mike Hennessy at the MARTA Electric Bus Unveiling event on March 17, 2017.
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Contact:
Erik Burton