Columbia University in New York City recently replaced six diesel-powered buses with new battery-electric units in its campus shuttle network.
According to the university, the shuttle makes more than 1,400 rider trips daily and travels nearly 180,000 miles per year. The transition is expected to reduce Columbia’s shuttle greenhouse-gas emissions by over 270 metric tons.
“Electric buses support Columbia’s sustainability plan goals of reduced transportation emissions through greener campus fleets and commuting alternatives,” says David M. Greenberg, executive vice president of university facilities and operations, in a Columbia University press release. “We are excited to take this next step in our use of cleaner energy towards a more sustainable campus and community.”
The New Flyer Xcelsior buses, operated by Academy Bus, can seat 40 passengers, have a battery capacity of 480 kWh and can travel more than 200 miles on one charge.
The purchase of the buses and three charging stations was supported by a grant from New York State Electric Vehicle Voucher Incentive Funds, a program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through a partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York City Department of Transportation and CALSTART.