Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  February 25, 2019

FSU to run all-electric bus fleet

StarMetro, the city of Tallahassee's public transit system, has agreed to purchase 22 electric buses to service Florida State University (FSU), bringing the StarMetro fleet to a total of 27. FSU is one of the first universities in the nation to decommission its entire fossil-fuel powered fleet and upgrade it to a 100% percent battery-electric fleet.

“Since operating its first battery-electric buses over five years ago, StarMetro has logged over 313,000 miles of revenue service with five Proterra buses to date and is excited to grow its zero-emission fleet footprint,” according to a statement from Proterra. “The procurement will also set a national precedent with FSU being one of the first universities in the nation to go all-electric, and StarMetro will continue to lead the Sunshine State in electric bus adoption.”

The FSU fleet will provide campus transportation for faculty, staff, students and visitors, totaling an average ridership of 847,000 each year. Operations are expected to begin mid-2019 with an initial deployment of 15 buses, with the remaining seven buses expected to deploy in 2021.

According to the statement, this procurement also supports the goals defined in Florida State University's strategic plan to deepen its commitment to continuous innovation, invest strategically and incorporate sustainable living practices into all FSU activities. The 22 new buses will allow FSU to eliminate more than 5 million pounds of carbon emissions annually and are expected to provide fuel and maintenance cost savings of more than $10 million.

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