Alexandria Transit Company (DASH) and the city of Alexandria, Va., have partnered with The Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE) to perform a zero-emission bus fleet feasibility and planning study.
CTE says it will provide DASH with an understanding of the viability of deploying zero-emission bus technologies into DASH’s revenue service and to identify elements and considerations for a future Zero Emission Fleet Implementation Plan scope.
Prior to working with CTE, DASH had undertaken several initiatives to develop an understanding of the operational maintenance and infrastructure requirements associated with the deployment of Zero Emission Buses (ZEB). CTE will work alongside DASH’s Zero Emission Bus Working Group in order to collect data and construct a ZEB Framework for transitioning the agency’s routes toward zero emission.
“We are committed to exploring zero-emission bus technology. Our long-term goal is to move the DASH fleet towards a zero-emission fleet,” said Raymond Mui, Alexandria Transit Company assistant general manager. “The knowledge that we have already gained along with this study will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of our long-term vision while laying the groundwork for an implementation plan”
The study will evaluate economic cost, risks and performance expectations of the DASH fleet to provide insight on responsibly and sustainably transitioning to an all zero-emission fleet. Additionally, DASH notes that the study will identify components for a future zero-emission fleet implementation plan, which includes the development of a strategic DASH zero-emission transition timeline.
“This study will provide us with a realistic goal for our zero-emission fleet journey,” said Mui. “The next step will be determining the route to the reach that vision and goal, and that is how the subsequent implementation plan will benefit DASH.”
“DASH and the city of Alexandria have been very diligent in their consideration of zero-emission bus technologies as part of their fleet policy planning,” said Joe Empert, engineering consultant at CTE. “CTE is excited to contribute to their overall effort by providing guidance through this feasibility and scoping study.”
