Proterra recently announced its newest customer in the Northeast, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). PVTA has purchased three 40' Catalyst FC buses, two fast chargers and one depot charger. Serving 24 member communities that rely upon its fleet of 186 mass transit buses, PVTA is the largest regional transit authority in Massachusetts. The Proterra Catalyst FC buses produce zero tailpipe emissions, with each bus eliminating 243,980 pounds of CO2 annually for every diesel bus replacement. Its innovative carbon-fiber-reinforced composite body and battery technology have proven capable of weathering the Northeast's harsh weather and temperature conditions.
The buses will serve communities along PVTA's Route P21E in Holyoke and Springfield. In addition to state-contributed funds, PVTA purchased the Proterra Catalyst FC buses with funds from the Federal Highway and Transit Administration.
"As part of our vision at PVTA, we are committed over the next 10 years to expand upon projects that reduce energy consumption and increase access to clean, efficient mass transit. The integration of our first electric buses into our routes is a big step in making this happen," said Mary MacInnes, PVTA administrator. "Today, marks an important milestone, and we're pleased to embark on this partnership with Proterra, as the company helps PVTA achieve our transit goals."
PVTA is the second Massachusetts transit agency to acquire Proterra buses. Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) began deploying Proterra vehicles into its fleet in 2013.
To date, Proterra buses have completed over 2.6 million miles of revenue service, displacing more than 540,000 gallons of diesel, and eliminating nearly 10 million pounds of carbon emissions across the United States.
"We're pleased to expand our footprint in the Northeast with Pioneer Valley Transit Authority," said Ryan Popple, CEO of Proterra. "To date, Proterra buses have demonstrated reliability and durability, proving impervious to some of the harshest winters on record with our first Massachusetts customer, WRTA. Today, we look forward to equipping PVTA communities with the highest performing buses on the road and supporting their transit vision."