Columbus bus system gets electric - Axios

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Columbus bus system gets electric

Two electric buses are seen Wednesday morning outside of Columbus City Hall. The COTA bus on the right will begin carrying passengers next week. — Two electric buses outside of Columbus City Hall. The COTA bus on the right will begin carrying passengers next week. Photo: Tyler Buchanan/Axios

The first two electric buses in the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) fleet will hit the streets this coming Monday.

Why it matters: The electric bus rollout is part of a long-term goal of COTA and the city of Columbus to cut back on carbon emissions by transitioning to greener energy sources.

The new electric buses can hold up to a six-hour charge and cost just shy of $1 million apiece.
COTA estimates each bus will save as much as $500,000 in maintenance and fuel costs over a 12-year lifespan.

The big picture: COTA plans to go diesel-free by 2025, relying on compressed natural gas and electricity to power its 321-bus fleet.

Eight more electric buses are coming next July.

👋 Tyler here. I hitched a ride yesterday with Councilmember Emmanuel Remy and a few COTA officials for a quick, zero-emissions trip through town. Two thoughts: