Sun Tran Joins Hands with Tucson Electric Power’s Support to Roll-out Five Electric Buses
Source: ·T&D WORLD · | September 15, 2021
TEP is supporting Sun Tran's electrification by covering the cost of the bus charging stations, providing technical assistance and upgrading equipment and infrastructure.
Source: T&D World
With the addition of five new battery electric buses this month, Sun Tran will begin converting its fleet to cleaner fuel sources with support from Tucson Electric Power. The new electric buses will be put into service once construction of the bus charging stations is complete.
TEP is supporting the electrification of Sun Tran’s fleet by covering the cost of the bus charging stations, providing technical assistance and upgrading our equipment and infrastructure. Sun Tran and TEP partnered to secure more than US$5 million in federal grants to kickstart Sun Tran’s fleet conversion.
In celebration of the transit system’s journey to reduce carbon emissions and promote cleaner air, Sun Tran will host a public event on Sept. 30 from 9:15-10:30 a.m. at its administrative offices at 3920 N. Sun Tran Blvd. The event coincides with National Drive Electric Week.
“Sun Tran is excited to introduce electric buses in the community,” said Steve Spade, Sun Tran's general manager. “These buses represent cutting edge technology in the transit industry focused on energy self-sufficiency and a cleaner environment. In addition to the positive impact on the environment, passengers will appreciate the quiet, comfortable ride the vehicles provide.”
The event will feature vendor booths, rides aboard the new electric buses and comments from Susan Gray, CEO and president, TEP; Regina Romero, mayor of Tucson and representatives from the city’s transportation and mobility department.
Gray noted this milestone is the latest in our company’s long history of supporting electric transportation, dating back to 1906, with the city’s first electric streetcar. In addition to supporting the city’s bus conversion, we also played a key role in the introduction of all-electric trams at Sabino Canyon, replacing earlier gasoline-powered shuttles.