Local public transit buses are going electric – which means zero emission, and that will help reduce pollution and clean the air we all breathe.
San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) recently announced that it has received state funding to buy 11 electric buses to serve its proposed Rapid Route 925, which will operate between the Otay Mesa Transit Center and Imperial Beach and provide a direct connection to the Trolley Blue Line.
In addition to MTS, North County Transit District also recently announced plans to buy electric buses to replace diesel ones in its fleet.
Helping to Electrify Public Transit
SDG&E applauds both public transit agencies for their leadership on clean transportation, and we plan on supporting both of them by helping to provide the necessary charging infrastructure for their electric bus fleets.
Earlier this year, we submitted a proposal to the California Public Utilities Commission to install chargers to serve medium-duty and heavy-duty electric vehicles and equipment, such as transit buses. A decision on the proposal is expected in the first quarter of 2019.
Why Transportation Electrification Matters
While our skies appear blue and clear year-round, it doesn’t mean that we don’t have an air pollution problem here in our region.
In fact, the most recent State of the Air Report issued by the American Lung Association, indicates that our region has among the worst ozone pollution in America. Our region received an F and is ranked 6th nationwide for having too many high ozone days. Ozone pollution related to transportation can cause or exacerbate asthma and other health conditions.
More Information
To learn more about MTS’ bus electrification effort, click on its press announcement. To learn more about SDG&E’s transportation electrification initiatives, visit sdge.com/EV.