Quiet. Clean. Electric.

First Electric Buses for MTS Find Home at IAD 

MTS has a long track record for having one the greenest fleets in the nation. And it just got a little greener when we launched the region’s first Zero-Emission Bus Pilot Program in November. 

MTS has acquired six battery electric buses. Bus operators will be familiar with the model - New Flyer -  and much of the interior is the same as the CNG buses. The biggest difference is tailpipe emissions. The electric buses cut tailpipe emissions by 100 percent, immediately improving air quality in the neighborhoods we serve and helping the region achieve climate action goals. The pilot program began on Nov. 4 with testing on multiple routes around San Diego. Following 
several weeks of route validation, the buses will go into passenger service in late November.   

 “Our new electric buses represent a strong step forward to a greener, cleaner and better connected transit system in San Diego,” said San Diego County Supervisor Nathan Fletcher, who is Chairman of MTS and also serves on the California Air Resources Board.

“We thought about electric vehicles as a kid, now it’s a reality,” said Bus Operator James Bell. “It’s a beautiful bus.” Bus Operator Morla Williams also express excitement for the arrival. “We are keeping up 
with the times. I think it’s a cool thing.”

Bus Operator Cristina Trevino is curious about electric bus performance. “I’ve heard things about the battery life and it will be interested to see how it tests during the pilot. 

Bell is also interested in some of the performance measures because each bus operates a little differently. “Each vehicle is different. They all drive different. I’m sure these buses will have some subtle differences. This pilot is a great way to see how they work.”

Today, our 40- and 60-foot fixed route buses are fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG). State regulations require all public transit agencies to gradually transition to all-ZEB fleets by 2040. MTS is preparing for that mandate by initiating this pilot program, which allows MTS staff to analyze vehicle performance under various conditions and train drivers on the most efficient driving habits.

The electric buses have an average estimated range of 150 miles per charge. Range is dependent on many factors, including driving characteristics, weather, topography and more. Many MTS bus routes are 150 miles or less, making them appropriate for this pilot program. 

While test routes may change and expand during the course of the pilot program, MTS is currently planning to begin operating the electric buses on the following routes: 

• Routes 1 (Fashion Valley – La Mesa)
• Route 2 (Downtown – North Park)   
• Route 4 (Lomita Village – 12th & Imperial Transit Center)  
• Route 10 (University & College – Old Town Transit Center)   
• Route 13 (Kaiser Hospital/Granville Trolley Station – 24th Street Trolley Station) 
• Route 815 (El Cajon Transit Center – East Main & Madison) 
• Route 905 (Otay Mesa Transit Center – Iris Transit Center)   
• Route 936 (SDSU Transit Center – Spring Valley)

After 18 months of testing and modeling, MTS will have an accurate and holistic picture of the operational realities to present to the MTS Board as the agency develops a road map to transition to a full zero emissions fleet.

MTS just got a little greener.

History of a clean-fleet. 

• Since 2016, MTS has made great strides to cut emissions from our fleet 
• 100+ propane-powered buses for the mini-bus and paratransit fleets 
• 7 million pounds of carbon dioxide eliminated with the switch to propane 
• 100% of natural gas MTS purchases is renewable biogas. It’s greener than both diesel and traditional compressed natural gas 
• 500 solar-powered bus shelters
• 135 zero-emissions Trolleys in the MTS fleet that run on 100% electricity