Merrimack Valley Action Team Sierra Club
The Merrimack Valley Action Team of the Massachusetts Sierra Club is advocating for the purchase of electric buses for the LRTA which serves Chelmsford
We encourage the LRTA’s leadership in establishing cleaner emissions buses for the Lowell Regional Transit Authority’s transportation needs by including electric buses in their Regional Transit Plan Chapter 7 recommendations. We urge them to accelerate the integration of zero emission buses into the LRTA’s fleets as a key strategy to achieve reductions in carbon and other pollution.
The Sierra Club, and its local Merrimack Valley Action Team (based in Lowell and Chelmsford) supports the LRTA in it’s efforts to bring cleaner buses to its fleet.
Massachusetts is eligible for more than $75 million in funding through the Volkswagen Environment Mitigation Trust. Transit agencies can apply these resources and leverage additional funds from EPA's DERA program to procure electric vehicles and install charging equipment.
Zero emission buses emit no tailpipe emissions. Diesel exhaust contains more than forty toxic air contaminants that can cause and/or worsen diseases such as asthma and cancer. Air pollution disproportionately impacts low-income neighborhoods and communities of color in urban areas such as Greater Lowell.
Zero emission buses reduce carbon emissions up to 170,000 pounds per year compared to diesel and compressed natural gas (CNG) buses.
Zero Emission buses save money. Even with higher upfront purchase costs of around $300,000 over diesel buses, electric buses can save operators approximately $400,000 on fuel and maintenance costs in its lifetime. These substantial savings can be used by transit agencies to expand their EV fleet. In addition, all electric buses have fuel efficiencies four times greater than diesel and CNG buses.
Electric bus technology is making huge progress. The Mass DOT study which is being done should help identify and target areas for improvement for New England conditions. Martha’s Vineyard has just purchased ZEBs which address charging issues with rapid charges as some stops. Worcester is achieving improved results with their newer buses and chargers. North Cambridge is implementing a pilot performance monitor plan.
Sincerely,
Kevin Goscila, Steering Committee, Merrimack Valley Sierra Club,
