Photo Brief: TCAT launches first-ever electric buses on Earth Day

State and local dignitaries joined TCAT on the Ithaca Commons on Earth Day, April 22, to celebrate the launch of seven of its first-ever battery-electric buses, a major milestone for the agency as it moves to an all-electric fleet over the next several years. “Despite what we all have endured over the course of 2020, TCAT is still on track to meet our goal of having an all battery-electric fleet by 2035,” said TCAT General Manager Scot Vanderpool in opening the bus launch ceremony from the Bernie Milton Pavilion. “Deploying these first seven buses is a major step towards that goal. TCAT is proud to be doing our part in reducing the carbon footprint — benefiting generations to come.” Last month, California-based Proterra delivered seven of their fifth-generation 40-foot ZX5+ buses to TCAT. The buses, manufactured in South Carolina, are used among TCAT’s 34 routes and began revenue service last week. Over the past several weeks, the buses were inspected by the New York State Department of Transportation and equipped with fare collection and radio systems. The buses were then covered in a boldly branded wrap designed by TCAT artist Jenn Jennings and Seifert Graphics. Vanderpool started working in earnest to secure funding for TCAT’s electric bus program in 2017 soon after taking over the helm as TCAT’s general manager. The buses, estimated at about $1 million each, were funded by several sources including federal, state and local funders, including the city of Ithaca, Tompkins County and Cornell University. TCAT expects to offset costs through the federal Volkswagen Settlement, and part of the funding was provided through the FTA Low-No Grant Program, with the help of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Guest speakers included State Assemblyperson Anna Kelles, pictured at the podium above as Vanderpool looks on.