UA To Transition Portion Of Crimson Ride Fleet To Electric Buses

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The University of Alabama on Wednesday said it has received $8 million from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA) to go toward a $10 million effort that will replace a quarter of its transit system buses with electric buses.

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UA plans to match $2 million for the initiative, which is aimed at reducing emissions and further positioning the school and region as a "hub for the electric vehicle ecosystem."

“Modifying the current fleet will allow the Crimson Ride Transit to meet the campus population growth while moving resources where they can be best utilized,” UA President Stuart Bell said. “The transfer to electric buses will reduce emissions and have an immediate impact on our area.”

The effort will also include the installation of an electric charging infrastructure for the eight new Crimson Ride buses, in addition to a partnership with Shelton State Community College for a program to train workers to service the buses.

UA says Crimson Ride provides roughly 2 million rides a year to the campus community, which includes stops off campus and service on football game days.

James Knickrehm, who oversees the campus transit system as associate director of transportation services, said the buses, charging infrastructure and technicians to support the vehicles will be phased in over the next few years.

“Winning this grant is the first phase of our transition plan. It allows the University to lead the way as we not only make the air clearer but develop new technologies and workforce training to enable the state to show the nation the possibilities of this technology,” he said. “Transitioning to an electric bus fleet is a significant commitment for the University, and we are fortunate to have strong support from UA’s faculty in our transition.”

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