Cherriots Unveils New Fleet of Electric Buses at Keizer Transit Center: What Does This Mean for Public Transport?

On August 14, Cherriots gathered local dignitaries and bus enthusiasts alike for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Keizer Transit Center to unveil their new fleet of 10 electric buses. The event, headlined by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, marked a significant milestone in Cherriots’ journey towards a cleaner, quieter future. Funded by a series of federal grants awarded in 2020, 2021, and 2023, these Battery Electric Buses (BEBs) are the first of their kind for the company, setting the stage for a future free from gas-guzzling buses.

These BEBs—sleek, silent, and zero-emissions—run solely on electricity, storing power in large onboard batteries and recharging at specially installed charging stations. The buses will initially operate on Route 11, a 12-mile corridor stretching from Keizer Transit Center to southeast Salem, making it Cherriots’ first zero-emissions corridor. Route 11 was strategically chosen based on ridership, logistics for on-route charging, and a focus on addressing historical inequities within the community.

While the transition to electric isn’t cheap, it’s a long-term investment in cleaner air, quieter streets, and reduced maintenance costs. Cherriots Board President Maria Hinojos Pressey expressed her excitement, thanking federal partners and project collaborators, including CTE, InductEV, ChargePoint, Salem Electric, Mott MacDonald, PGE Fleet Partner, JH Kelly, EC Electric, WB Engineering, GILLIG, and Cummins, for making this dream a reality.

For now, the other bus routes remain unchanged, but this rollout represents just the beginning of a broader effort to embrace sustainable transit. Curious minds can dig deeper into this green venture at Cherriots' official page.

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