On June 10, transit agencies from throughout the Bay Area came together at GoMentum Station in Concord, California—America’s largest secure testing ground for autonomous vehicles—to get behind the wheel of the Karsan eJEST.

But this event was more than a vehicle demo—it was a hands-on look at the future of transit in action.

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Why Testing at GoMentum Station Matters

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GoMentum Station—managed by the Contra Costa Transportation Authority (CCTA)—isn’t just a test track. It’s one of the most advanced facilities in the U.S. dedicated to exploring the future of transportation. More than just a proving ground, GoMentum is where transformative ideas become real-world mobility solutions.

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As CCTA Executive Director Timothy Haile explained, the purpose of GoMentum is to address some of the biggest challenges in modern transit:

🔹 How can emerging technologies make travel safer?
🔹 What role can clean vehicles play in improving air quality?
🔹 Can smart transit reduce congestion while expanding access?
🔹 How can innovation in mobility fuel economic development?

These are the same questions that drive our mission at Damera. That’s why having Karsan eJEST tested at GoMentum Station was such a meaningful step—aligning cutting-edge technology with our shared vision for cleaner, safer, and more connected communities.

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Real-World Performance: eJEST in Action at CCTA

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At the Contra Costa Transportation Authority’s GoMentum Station, transit professionals from across the region had the opportunity to experience the Karsan eJEST firsthand. The vehicle was put through a series of real-world demonstrations—from low-floor ramp access and ADA-compliant boarding, to dynamic test drives simulating urban and suburban routes. Feedback from operators and agency staff alike emphasized eJEST’s adaptability, ease of handling, and comfort for both drivers and passengers.

Here’s what stood out:

✔️ Confident Handling, Comfortable Ride
Drivers praised eJEST for its smooth and stable handling—especially in tight, urban conditions and suburban corridors. Its compact footprint and responsive steering made it easy to navigate complex environments, while the ride remained steady and balanced. This results in fewer bumps and jolts, helping reduce motion discomfort for riders and offering a more inviting experience for seniors, commuters, and those with sensory sensitivities.

✔️ Modern Look That Builds Trust in Transit
eJEST’s clean, streamlined appearance instantly elevates the image of public transportation. Passengers respond positively to vehicles that look modern, professional, and well-designed—helping to build public trust and encouraging greater adoption. It’s not just about function—it’s about creating pride in local transit systems and giving communities a reason to choose the bus over personal cars.

✔️ Accessible and Thoughtful Interior Design
Inside, reviewers highlighted the vehicle’s rider-centric layout: comfortable forward-facing seating, wide panoramic windows for added visibility, and a clearly designated space for wheelchairs or strollers. Vehicle also features carefully placed lighting to enhance safety during darker hours, contributing to an overall environment that feels both welcoming and secure.

✔️ Rider-Focused Features for Modern Commuter
To meet the expectations of today’s passengers, eJEST includes features that support connected, flexible travel—USB charging ports, onboard Wi-Fi, and exterior bike racks. These amenities make the bus more attractive to working professionals, students, and cyclists, reinforcing multi-modal mobility options and reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles.

✔️ Quiet Operation for Riders and Drivers
With its fully electric powertrain, eJEST offers a quiet, vibration-free ride that’s noticeably more relaxing. For drivers, this means reduced fatigue and a calmer driving environment. For riders, the silence enhances comfort—especially for early morning commutes or longer journeys.

✔️ Strong Performance, Smooth Braking
eJEST delivered confident acceleration and reliable braking during testing. Operators appreciated how well the vehicle handled start-stop conditions and how intuitively the regenerative braking system worked—reclaiming energy with every stop and further boosting efficiency.

✔️ All-Day Range with Simple Charging
eJEST impressed with its ability to hold a full charge throughout the day’s testing. The bus was paired with ABB Terra DC Wallbox—a compact, easy-to-deploy charger ideal for small depots or agencies with limited electrical infrastructure. Together, this vehicle-and-charger combination makes electrification accessible and affordable, even for smaller or rural agencies.

Lower Barriers to Electrification
The ease of integrating eJEST into existing transit systems is one of its greatest strengths. Agencies don’t need major infrastructure upgrades or new facilities. With a basic depot-based charging setup, fleets can electrify quickly, reduce emissions, and improve operational costs—all without massive upfront investments.

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eJEST for Accessibility and Quality of Life

CCTA has long led the way in advancing shared, autonomous, and inclusive transit solutions. Their initiative in Rossmoor—a senior community—demonstrated how transformative accessible transportation can be, restoring independence, dignity, and daily mobility to individuals who may otherwise feel isolated or dependent.

That’s exactly what the eJEST is built for:

- Low-floor, ramp-equipped design for ADA accessibility, ensuring effortless boarding for all riders
- Zero-emission electric drive, contributing to cleaner air and quieter streets
- Compact and maneuverable, ideal for navigating both crowded city centers and narrow suburban roadways
- Scalable deployment, allowing agencies to adjust service levels based on actual ridership and demand

Whether it’s the autonomous capabilities of tomorrow or the efficient, accessible electric vehicles we’re delivering today, the goal remains constant: to create smarter cities through better access, better outcomes, and a better quality of life for all.

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Looking Ahead: Level 4 Autonomous eJEST Coming Soon

In Q3 of 2025, the first Level 4 autonomous eJEST will reach a major milestone as it begins testing—starting in Florida and followed by a showcase in Oklahoma. This innovation is built on the valuable real-world data and feedback gathered from testing grounds like GoMentum Station and is a key step forward in the evolution of urban mobility.

What This Means for Transit Agencies:
Autonomous features are more than just futuristic add-ons—they offer tangible operational benefits:

• Reduced labor costs through automation of specific tasks
• Minimized downtime with smart fleet coordination
• Consistent, reliable operations across large or high-frequency fleets
• 24/7 service possibilities, especially useful in high-demand or underserved zones

Together, these advancements enable a smarter, safer, and more accessible transit system.

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A Special Thank You

To the entire team at CCTA, Executive Director Tim Haile, and the outstanding staff at GoMentum Station, including Diondria Whitehead—thank you for making this demonstration possible. And to all the transit professionals who joined us for the test drive: we’re grateful for your insights and commitment to shaping the future of public transit.

Events like this go far beyond vehicle specs. They help agencies envision how the eJEST performs in real-world conditions—from suburban loops to dense urban corridors, from everyday commuters to paratransit passengers.

🚍 Want to experience it for yourself?

‍Connect with our team to schedule a demo ride or discuss how the Karsan eJEST could support your agency’s transit and sustainability goals.

📩 Contact Us

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