Federal Grants in Action: Advance Transit Electrification
In Mid-March, Advance Transit introduced two new electric buses into their fleet. These buses serve the Upper Valley in both Vermont and New Hampshire, and were funded by a $3 million grant from the Vermont Agency of Transportation and the US Department of Transportation as well as financial incentives from Green Mountain Power. Two more are on the way next year.
The transportation sector produces 27% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to 2020 data from the EPA (link). These emissions primarily come from fossil fuels. Moving to electric buses away from diesel buses is a big step towards reducing these emissions; in addition, these electric buses offer a quieter and more pleasant experience to riders, plus the reduced pollution associated with a transition to electric transportation.
While government incentives, new technology, and a growing used-EV market make personal electric vehicles more accessible to the average consumer, they are still out of reach for many due to cost, accessibility of charging stations, parking limitations, or ability to drive. AT’s transition to electric makes the benefits of electric vehicles accessible to people who may not have access to a personal electric vehicle or may not be able to drive. Advance Transit has no fare to ride, and can be used by anyone for commuting and accessing healthcare, shopping, and other community resources in the Upper Valley.
Making the benefits of electric vehicles available to everyone, regardless of financial status or driving abilities, is an important aspect of energy justice here in the Upper Valley and around the country. As stated by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, “It’s how we will mitigate the climate crisis, accelerate the clean energy transition, and contribute to social equity”.[1] The grants provided by the Vermont Agency have served as an important step in extending the benefits of electric vehicles to the public as a whole. When you see the Advance Transit electric buses, you’re seeing energy justice in action!
Further reading:
https://advancetransit.com/about/
https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/fast-facts-transportation-greenhouse-gas-emissions.
https://enterprise.vnews.com/2023/04/30/dont-you-just-love-that-new-bus-smell
[1] https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/electrifying-transportation-benefit-every-american