MARTA borrows electric bus for pilot program
On Saint Patrick’s Day, March 17, MARTA went green by unveiling an electric bus that is part of the transit agency’s pilot program.
The bus, a 40-foot Proterra Catalyst, is on loan to MARTA. The current bus fleet is a mix of diesel, hybrid and compressed natural gas vehicles, a press release from MARTA says.
The bus will seat 40 passengers and can travel three hours on a single charge.
“MARTA Operations has outfitted the test routes with periodic rapid charging stations,” the press release from MARTA says. “The Catalyst fully recharges in approximately 10 minutes.”
The transit agency sent a few photos from today’s unveiling at MARTA headquarters:
The 40-foot Proterra Catalyst bus can hold 40 seated passengers and 37 standing. The rapid charge takes approximately 10 minutes and can travel more than 3 hours on a single charge. Photo provided by MARTA
MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker talks about diversifying MARTA’s bus fleet, including the possibility of incorporating electric buses. Photo by MARTA
MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker and Proterra’s Regional Sales Director Mike Hennessy discuss bus features during a test ride. Photo provided by MARTA
MARTA GM/CEO Keith T. Parker and Proterra’s Regional Sales Director Mike Hennessy with the 40-foot outfitted Proterra bus MARTA has on loan for a month. Photo provided by MARTA
