AUSTIN, Texas — Capital Metro is spending $2 million to buy two more electric buses.
That will bring the total to 12 emission-free buses in the CapMetro fleet by the end of the year.
The transit agency is paying for the new rides with a $17 million surplus in sales tax revenues. They're expected to hit the streets during peak periods, on some of the most congested routes.
CapMetro’s board already approved the purchase of 10 electric buses, part of a plan to electrify the city’s transit fleet. The agency hopes to have 80 electric buses in service by 2024.
After testing out several bus companies, CapMetro selected Proterra. Each electric bus has an estimated range of 100 to 150 miles between charges and will be recharged each night.
CapMetro says it is also spending about $1.3 million to buy more than 100 new digital displays.
They'll be placed on MetroRapid and electric buses, providing real-time information like service and weather updates, much like you'd see in Chicago or New York.
The 29-inch displays will be added to the fleet by early fall.
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