Embracing Technology to Get Riders Where They Want to Go

IN 2008, FLAGSTAFF VOTERS overwhelmingly approved a tax that allowed Mountain Line to purchase hybrid-electric vehicles. As of 2017, Mountain Line was one of the first public transit agencies in the U.S. to operate a 100 percent hybrid-electric fixed-route fleet.

As we start to look forward to the next generation of fleet options, our goal is to honor the intent of that 2008 initiative, while also ensuring an environmentally and financially sustainable future for our organization.

Mountain Line is taking the “we don’t know what we don’t know” tactic with exploring new fleet technology, and our first step is to bridge that knowledge gap. In addition to sending key staff members to industry conferences, we also issued a solicitation to develop a Zero Emissions Bus Transition Plan. As buses need to be replaced, Mountain Line is committed to adopting the next generation of technology, and this plan will establish the road map for making this possible.

We want to strike a balance between being on the leading edge of technology and making sure we have our proverbial ducks in a row before we take this leap. The transition plan will establish a clear purpose and vision for our transition to zero emissions bus technology, taking into consideration the current landscape, as well as our development plans and the long-term future of the proposed technologies. This industry is moving at a breakneck pace, and we know there will be temptations to jump on the latest technology train, but this plan will keep us grounded in what is best for Mountain Line and the community.

The transition plan will start with a thorough technology analysis, and ultimately a recommendation on what is best for the Mountain Line service area and operational needs. We’ll explore various combinations of battery-electric and fuel-cell-electric technologies, carefully analyzing factors such as availability of resources, resiliency, reliability, facility infrastructure impacts, environmental impacts, community-wide opportunities and costs.

Once a preferred technology option is approved by our Board of Directors, we’ll move into developing Erika Mazza an implementation plan. This will be our roadmap, guiding everything from procurement considerations and charging locations to fleet mechanic training and facility infrastructure plans. Purchasing Mountain Line’s first zero-emissions vehicle will be one of the last steps in this process, and when we take delivery of that vehicle it will be with the confidence that we’ve gone down the correct path.

Technology is a vital part of the public transit industry, and I am excited for what is on the horizon, whether it be with fleet, data or fare-payment options. Mountain Line is looking forward to embracing this technology to bring our mission of “getting you where you want to go” into the next decade.

Source: Passenger Transport