Photo: BYD
Edmonton testing electric buses across city routes
18 June 2014
by Richard Forster
The Edmonton Transit System (ETS), the public transit service owned and operated by the city of Edmonton, Canada, has begun testing two electric buses, known as ETS Stealth buses.
The buses run quietly and cleanly and are more cost-effective to fuel and maintain than the diesel engine buses currently used. Operated entirely on electricity, ETS Stealth buses have no exhaust pipes and generate zero emissions when being driven.
“We are very excited to be introducing electric bus technology to Edmonton streets,” said Councillor Andrew Knack. “The City of Edmonton is committed to finding the best combination of transportation technologies to enhance Edmonton’s sustainability, and we’re eager to see how well the ETS Stealth bus delivers ETS service across the city.”
The ETS Stealth buses will run on various ETS routes across the city, travelling with regularly scheduled buses in service and for special events. Passengers can board free of charge. Instead of paying a fare, passengers will be asked to complete a survey describing their experience riding an electric bus.
During the four-month pilot the Edmonton Transit System will evaluate the suitability of the ETS Stealth bus based on several factors, including passenger load capacity, passenger comfort, reliability and how well the buses navigate Edmonton’s roadway network.
“Public feedback is essential to determining the success of the ETS Stealth pilot project,” said Linda Kadatz, ETS Bus Operations Divisional Supervisor. “We hope to hear from every ETS Stealth passenger so that we can make an informed decision later this year about pursuing electric bus technology in our long-term fleet replacement plans.”
The Edmonton Transit System provides service for buses and light-rail transit vehicles within Edmonton City limits, in addition to Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, and the Edmonton Garrison at Namao. It also provides connections to suburban transit services operated by the City of St. Albert and Strathcona County. ETS operates an entire fleet of accessible 960 low floor buses, which have been progressively introduced into the system since 1993.
