Pace, Broward County Transit debut electric buses

On Jan. 19, Pace Suburban Bus and Broward County Transit (BCT) debuted new electric buses to its fleets. 

Pace’s first battery-electric bus 

Pace has introduced the agency’s inaugural battery-electric bus. The Gillig bus is operating on Route 381 95th St., serving riders in the southwest suburbs, including Evergreen Park, Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Bridgeview, Hickory Hills, and Palos Hills, Ill., and providing connections between the Chicago Transit Authority’s Red Line and Moraine Valley College.  

Pace is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint and enhance air quality in the community. Pace’s initiative, Project Zero, aims to convert its entire fleet of more than 700 buses to zero-emission vehicles by 2040. 

“This is a tremendous milestone in our Project Zero initiative," said Pace Chairman Rick Kwasneski. “Already, 22 more electric buses are on order thanks to federal funding. We thank Sen. {Dick] Durbin (D-IL) and the Illinois delegation for their support in this endeavor.”  

“Pace’s legacy of progress and innovation has led us to this vehicle you see today—which is better for passengers, easier for our bus operators and cleaner for the environment,” said Pace Executive Director Melinda Metzger. “This marks a pivotal moment for Pace and our commitment to sustainable mobility solutions.” 

BCT’s electric express coach bus  

BCT cut the ribbon on its inaugural electric express coach bus. The bus began service on Jan. 22, transporting riders between Broward and Miami-Dade County, Fla. The bus, which is in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), can seat up to 54 passengers, provides free Wi-Fi and is estimated to travel up to 230 miles per charge.   

"This electric express coach bus is a symbol of our county's unwavering commitment to a cleaner, greener future," said Coree Cuff Lonergan, Broward County Transportation CEO and general manager. "This partnership with FDOT underscores our shared vision for building a better tomorrow, one emission-free ride at a time."