LTD Scales Back Electric Bus Fleet After Reliability Issues
Eugene, OR – Lane Transit District (LTD) is reversing course on a $30 million investment in electric buses, opting to prioritize diesel options after six years of operational challenges. The agency announced plans to significantly reduce its electric fleet, citing limited range, weather-dependent performance, and safety concerns.
LTD began deploying the New Flyer electric buses in 2018, aiming to reduce emissions and meet climate goals. However, the buses consistently fell short of expected performance.Drivers experienced unpredictable range, with trips limited to 80 or 90 miles on a single charge nonetheless of weather conditions – a significant hurdle for reliable public transit scheduling.
“The number one indicator for us in meeting climate goals is to increase ridership … regardless of whether it’s an electric bus or diesel bus,” LTD CEO Jameson T. Auten stated during a Nov. 12 public meeting.
The decision follows a September 20 recall issued by New Flyer,advising LTD to limit battery charges to less than 75% due to a risk of fire. this recall impacted 19 of LTD’s electric buses. Similar issues have been reported by transit agencies in New Jersey and New york.
LTD will now invest in R99 diesel buses utilizing 99% renewable diesel,a fuel derived from plant or animal sources with lower tailpipe emissions than traditional fossil fuels. Only 11 electric buses will remain in service.
The remaining 19 buses may be transferred to Los Angeles in time for the 2028 summer Olympics, contingent upon approval from the Federal Transit Administration. LTD’s original grant agreement required the buses to accumulate 500,000 miles or a portion of the funding would need to be repaid; Los Angeles would assume responsibility for that obligation.
“Hindsight is always 20-20. We are proud of our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Several years in with these buses, we know more,” auten said. “The propulsion system is not the innovation. The innovation is creating a system that gets more people on our buses, that’s how we move the needle on sustainability. These are the forward-thinking investments we’re making now.”
Despite the setback, LTD Board Member Peter Skov remains optimistic about the future of electric buses. “It’s worth figuring out how to deploy electric buses,” Skov said.”Maybe that’s not two or three years away, maybe five to 10 years away, but if you look around the world, people are figuring this out. Electric buses are now becoming the norm.”
