CDTA To Debut Electric Bus Line

The Capital District Transportation Authority is considering making its newest bus rapid transit route. The first bus has already been purchased and is set delivery in mid-June, such a route would give CDTA a project that could demonstrate the new technology in everyday use.

With its first-ever battery-powered electric buses

"This is an exciting concept that would provide CDTA and the State of New York with a showcase project, complete with the technology people are looking for environmental benefits our community can support," said CDTA CEO Carm Basile in a recent briefing to the transit authority's board.

The authority plans to launch a pilot program this summer to see how the buses will work and be maintained.

The new route that would be created specifically for this bus is the so-called River Corridor connecting Waterford and Troy with Watervliet, Menands and Albany, an "all-electric" route. This is an exciting step for the CDTA, NY and especially the environment. Electric battery-powered buses use less energy than gas powered buses.