Electric Bus Arrives In Iowa City For A Test Drive

Press release from the City of Iowa City:

March 14, 2021

Iowa City Transit employees were given the chance to get behind the wheel of an electric bus that will be added to the City’s fleet later this year.

“We’re going to be receiving four Proterra ZX5 buses later this year, likely in the fall,” explained Transportation Director Darian Nagle-Gamm, “which will replace four of our older diesel buses with brand new, all electric technology.”

This purchase is in part due to a $3 million DOT grant. The buses will be able to travel over 300 miles on a single charge. They also run much quieter than a diesel bus, drastically reducing noise pollution.

This purchase aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan. One goal is to shift 55% of vehicle trips to more sustainable modes of transportation such as walking, biking, and using Transit.

“This purchase provides the improvements needed to make Transit more attractive for the community, while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” added Nagle-Gamm.

The four new buses won’t arrive until at least fall, but the chance to get behind the wheel of the electric bus has staff eager for change.

“We’re just get really excited to test out this technology and move Iowa City Transit forward to the future.”

This press release was produced by the City of Iowa City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.