The Antelope Valley Times

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AVTA’s 60-ft articulated electric bus now in service

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[Image courtesy AVTA]
LANCASTER – The Antelope Valley Transit Authority’s 60-ft all-electric bus is the first of its kind in the world, carrying passengers on AVTA’s Local Route 1, officials announced.

Passengers are invited to help celebrate this major milestone with complimentary service offered during the bus’s maiden voyage on Friday, Sept. 1.

The bus will depart from Steve Owen Memorial Park in Lancaster at approximately 10 a.m., and will run all day long on the normal Route 1 path.

The 60-ft. articulated bus, which was delivered to AVTA from BYD Motors in May 2017, is one of 13 buses of this size and type that will enter circulation as AVTA strives to meet the goal of becoming “100% green by 2018”.

With the ability to carry up to 70 passengers while using AVTA’s WAVE wireless charging system, the zero emissions bus harnesses the most advanced first generation technology available in the market.

Since taking delivery, AVTA has worked to prepare the bus for its first day in service, which has included rigorous road testing.

Future plans for the articulated buses include development of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) to
alleviate overcrowding and streamline service along the busy Route 1 corridor.

“September 1st will be a day the entire Antelope Valley can be proud of. We couldn’t be more pleased at the progress being made as we deliver a new standard of excellence in public transportation,” stated AVTA Board Chairman Marvin Crist.

The AVTA electric bus conversion project was kick-started with grant funding made possible by
Los Angeles County Board Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

[Information via news release from the Antelope Valley Transit Authority.]

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Filed Under: Lancaster, Palmdale

3 comments for "AVTA’s 60-ft articulated electric bus now in service"

  1. It no coincidence that the route is between the cities and the AVTA headquarters and Maintenance Yard. When it breaks down, it will be easy to tow.

    • I agree it’s no coincidence. The route 1 buses are the only ones I’ve seen that are routinely crowded. Not like I routinely defend the AVTA, but I’d guess that’s the reason for putting their new bigger bus on that route.

      • Wait, you mean Route 1 is the main route of AVTA busses? The one that goes through the heart of both cities? I’m shocked they didn’t choose to debut the bus on the Lake LA express line, or one of the more underutilized routes. It’s almost like they want the people of this city to see the new bus they’ll be using.