Salem Unveils New Electric Buses To Cut Emissions And Improve Air Quality -08/07/24

 

NOTE: FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY, NOT PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

 

Cherriots is excited to announce a milestone in its commitment to sustainable public transportation with the introduction of battery electric buses to its fleet. To mark this significant achievement, Cherriots will host a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring keynote speaker U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley.

The event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 14. For details, please RSVP to SAMTD Chief Communications Officer Patricia Feeny.

Senator Merkley, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, and U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas have been staunch advocates for clean energy and sustainable transportation initiatives. Their support has been instrumental in securing the funding and resources necessary to bring these state-of-the-art electric buses to the Salem-Keizer community. The new buses are a testament to Cherriots dedication to reducing carbon emissions, improving air quality, and providing efficient, eco-friendly transportation options for the region.

"We are excited to introduce these battery electric buses into our fleet, marking a significant step forward in our sustainability efforts," said Maria Hinojos Pressey, Cherriots board president. "This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our federal delegation and our project partners."

The project partners are CTE (Center for Transportation and the Environment) InductEV, ChargePoint, Salem Electric, Mott MacDonald, PGE Fleet Partner, JH Kelly, EC Electric, WB Engineering, GILLIG, and Cummins.

The new electric buses are equipped with the latest technology, ensuring a smooth, quiet ride while significantly reducing the environmental impact. These buses will contribute to cleaner air and a healthier community, aligning with Cherriots long-term goals of sustainability and innovation.

Additionally, the introduction of the new battery electric fleet on Route 11 will create the first Zero Emissions Corridor in Salem and Keizer. This 12-mile corridor stretches from the Keizer Transit Center to the southeast corner of Salem. The decision to electrify Route 11 was based on ridership, logistics for on-route charging at Keizer Transit Center, and Cherriots focus on mitigating historical inequities within the community.

For more information about the battery electric buses, go to https://www.cherriots.org/zec/

Formed in 1979, the Salem Area Mass Transit District is a municipal corporation covering 76 square miles in the Mid-Willamette Valley between Portland and Eugene. Locally known as Cherriots, the district provides service to more than 500,000 residents in Marion and Polk counties. Annually, the transit district provides approximately three million passenger trips.