Santa Maria Regional Transit (SMRT) has announced the successful culmination of a four-year initiative to fully transition to a 100 percent battery-electric transit fleet.
With the most recent delivery of six electric buses from Gillig LLC in October, SMRT’s operational zero-emission fleet now totals 40 vehicles, securing its place as perhaps only the second transit agency in the U.S. to complete this conversion to a 100 percent zero-emission transit fleet, according to SMRT.
“These efforts are a reflection of our commitment to prioritizing financial prudence and a focus on long-term security,” said Gamaliel Anguiano, transit services manager for SMRT.
“By converting to an all-electric fleet, we are moving SMRT toward greater independence from volatile global fuel markets and potential supply chain issues while also realizing substantial operating cost savings of hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
“This investment in our community’s future is a practical step towards fulfilling our objectives of being a Smart City, Safe City.”
This significant accomplishment ensures SMRT has sufficient electric vehicles and charging infrastructure on hand to operate solely an electricity fleet across its fixed-route, paratransit, Microtransporte and support vehicle segments.
While remaining stock of diesel buses must be kept in use until they meet their Federally defined useful life, SMRT has reached the critical threshold of vehicles necessary to operate a 100 percent electric fleet.
The transition to a fully electric fleet provides tangible benefits beyond emission savings:
• Substantial Operating Cost Savings: Electric vehicles require less maintenance and eliminate reliance on costly, fluctuating diesel fuel. This transition is projected to save SMRT roughly $400,000 yearly.
• Insulation from Supply Chain Issues: With electric vehicles having up to 75 percent less moving parts, SMRT reduces its exposure to supply chain issues and ensures greater stability of service for the community.
• Technological modernization: The new fleet represents a significant upgrade, offering improved performance and advanced features like cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, tech filled interiors, and improved safety capabilities.
This major shift was made possible through the financial support provided by both the State of California and the Federal Transit Administration funds. An expression of gratitude is extended to all SMRT’s partners who made this successful transition possible.
SMRT is committed to offering efficient and reliable transit solutions that are sustainable and financially sound for the community.
For more, contact the Department of Public Works, Transit Division, 805-925-0951 ext. 2480.