Proterra has announced that Park City Transit in Utah has deployed a zero-emission, battery-electric mass transit fleet, which will include six Proterra Catalyst FC+ buses.
Selected to serve the region’s renowned ski resort community, the Proterra fleet supports Park City’s and Summit County’s transition toward renewable energy and the reduction of its overall carbon footprint.
With Proterra’s transit technology, Park City is laying a path for a net-zero carbon footprint for its municipal operations by 2022 and a Summit County-area-wide net-zero carbon footprint by 2032.
“Park City and Summit County have set some of the most ambitious carbon reduction and renewable energy targets in the country. Not only will our new battery-electric Proterra buses help us achieve these targets, they will provide our thousands of annual riders with a sustainable, state-of-the-art transit experience,” says Destry Pollard, Park City Transit operations team leader. “Protecting the environmental well-being of our mountain community is paramount, and Proterra will play an instrumental role in our ongoing conservation efforts.”
Nicknamed the “Electric Xpress,” the free transit service will provide clean, quiet and efficient transportation to residents and tourists throughout several neighborhoods, including Park City Resort, Canyons Village, Silver Springs, Silver Lake Village, Empire Pass and Park Meadows.
To commemorate the deployment, Park City, Summit County and Proterra will be hosting a launch event today at the Kimball Junction Transit Center, where Proterra CEO Ryan Popple and members of both the Park City Council and the Summit County Council will gather to celebrate the community’s commitment to sustainability and clean transportation.
Park City Mayor Jack Thomas says, “The Electric Xpress service supports our ambitious climate goals and marks the first phase of the city and county’s transportation demand management program, which will provide enhanced transit service and reduce traffic congestion throughout the greater Park City community.”
“This initiative immediately improves transit services in the greater Park City area and will serve as a model as we work to expand public transit throughout Summit County,” County Council Chairman Chris Robinson adds.
To address some of the cost barriers that have previously deterred transit agencies from transitioning to battery-electric vehicles, Proterra’s new battery-lease financing model enables agencies to purchase electric buses at approximately the same price or less than fossil fuel-based alternatives. Park City Transit received financing for the six Proterra buses through a Low-No Emissions Grant with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration.
“While Proterra buses are operating in innovative cities throughout the country, it’s especially exciting to see our battery-electric transit technology improving the air quality and overall rider experience in an iconic mountain community like Park City,” says Popple. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Park City and Summit County in the coming months and encourage other resort communities to follow its lead by implementing battery-electric, zero-emission transit systems.”
Wondering if this is all wheel drive?