The San Mateo County Transit District Board of Directors approved a plan today to convert the SamTrans bus fleet to 100% zero-emissions by 2038, two years earlier than required by state law.
The state regulation requires bus procurements prior to 2026 to be at least 25% zero-emission. The District made its initial purchase of battery electric buses in 2018, and the plan approved today calls for 50% of SamTrans’ buses purchased before 2026 to be electric, doubling the state requirement.
Operating an expanded electric bus fleet will require major investments in charging infrastructure, including the installation of photovoltaic canopies at SamTrans’ bases to generate solar power. Overall, the plan will require the investment of nearly $500 million by 2038. The District anticipates that a combination of local, regional, state, and federal revenues will be secured to fund these improvements.
“This is a bold step towards a cleaner and greener future,” said SamTrans General Manager/CEO Jim Hartnett. “SamTrans will continue to lead as we embrace new technologies, improve our operations, and ensure that everyone has an environmentally-friendly means of getting where they need to go.”
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About SamTrans: SamTrans operates 70 routes throughout San Mateo County. Funded in part by a half-cent sales tax, the San Mateo County Transit District also provides administrative support for Caltrain and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority. SamTrans has provided bus service to San Mateo County customers since 1976.
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