Electric Intercity Bus Introduced in Santa Barbara

According to an article in The Santa Barbara Independent, the region has introduced an all-electric bus to its intercity service, the Clean Air Express, which encourages residents to commute via bus rather than cars. The zero-emissions bus, like others in the Clean Air Express fleet, will travel between Santa Maria, Lompoc, and other major employment centers in Santa Barbara County.

"A switch to cleaner, quieter, and smoother public transit options is a switch in the right direction, one that is imperative for our future – for our children and neighbors. Today we see just how the zero-emission vehicle industry’s evolving technology is changing the game for long-range transportation options improving the efficiency, experience, and commuter benefits to save energy and the environment," said Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG) Board of Directors Chair Das Williams.

Operated by SBCAG, the Clean Air Express serves roughly 7,000 riders per month with a fleet of 17 buses. "Of the $850,000 cost of the all-electric bus, Caltrans provided $500,000 in SB 1 funds from the State Rail Assistance Program. SB 1 provides $5 billion in transportation funding annually split between the state and local agencies."