Transitioning to Electric: Nantucket's Green Transit Initiative

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In 2023, two eJEST fully electric buses were added to the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) fleet. Later, three more electric buses were put into operation. These additions mark the first step in NRTA's plan to replace its aging fleet with electric vehicles. Gary Roberts, the administrator of NRTA, commented,

"I’ve been inundated with calls about the noise from the buses, and really the exhaust from the buses, how it’s not that pleasant living along the bus routes. The biggest thing is to be better for the environment. The people that live along the mid-island routes, I think they are going to see the biggest difference.”

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Advancing Environmental Friendliness

Environmental friendliness is a major advantage of electric vehicles, as they produce no exhaust emissions, reducing air pollution and enhancing the quality of life for residents along bus routes. Renewing the buses not only improves service reliability and passenger satisfaction but also enhances the city's image by demonstrating a commitment to modern, environmentally friendly transportation solutions. Fleet upgrades contribute significantly to reducing noise pollution and enhancing air quality, crucial for creating a more pleasant and appealing urban environment.

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Enhancing Urban Mobility

Gary Roberts mentioned that electric buses are perfect for shorter town and mid-island routes. Their compact size makes them more maneuverable on the streets, and they are notably quieter. The gentle hum of an electric motor is far less disruptive than the loud diesel engines of the 19 NRTA buses currently in service. He explained that these buses feature all the usual amenities, including bike racks, stop request buttons, air conditioning, and heating. Additionally, they have a much larger, lower door to facilitate access for individuals with disabilities or those in wheelchairs, and to reduce embarkation time for all passengers.
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Efficiency and Performance

Gary Roberts noted that the e-JEST buses have a range of about 130 miles per charge, with an even higher range on stop-and-go routes due to their regenerative braking system. In addition to standard charging, they hope to install a fast charging system to allow partial charging between routes.

The eJEST buses are highly efficient, offering high capacity utilization and the ability to run more frequent routes. Unlike the current NRTA buses, the electric buses don’t require a commercial driver’s license, significantly expanding the pool of potential drivers.

While the initial startup cost is higher, the day-to-day operation of electric buses is considerably cheaper than their gas-powered counterparts.

“The brakes last much longer, there’s no oil or other fluids that need changing,” Roberts explained. “We’ll be paying for electricity instead of diesel fuel, and with current fuel prices, that’s a significant saving.”

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Commitment to Sustainable Transit Solutions

By securing funding and transitioning to newer, more efficient vehicles like the eJEST, transit agencies can improve service quality, reduce operational costs, and contribute positively to local environments and neighborhoods.

Gary Roberts commented on the fleet's condition:

“The fleet is in a state that it needs to be replaced, but it’s very difficult to replace an entire fleet in one year due to funding. We’re looking at all funding options and we’re going to continue to do so until we replace the entire fleet of buses with something that’s more appealing to the public and to the homeowners along the routes.”

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, has provided funding for the purchase of these eJEST electric buses. Securing such funding is critical for the successful transition to sustainable transit solutions.

The Nantucket Regional Transit Authority (NRTA) is currently engaged in a pilot project funded by MassDOT, which runs from April 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. This initiative was made possible through a grant from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, allowing NRTA to conduct a fare-free pilot for its bus system. During this period, NRTA is analyzing ridership data and on-time performance to evaluate the impact of providing transportation.

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Community Response and Future Outlook

From the very beginning, during Daffodil Weekend in spring 2023, a demo bus showcased by NRTA received enthusiastic feedback from riders. After experiencing the route to Sconset and back, passengers expressed positive sentiments, eagerly inquiring about the bus's availability. Gary Roberts noted,

"We probably transported 65 people that day, and I think the people that rode on it thought it was great."

The positive reception underscores the community's readiness and interest in adopting electric buses for their transportation needs.

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Damera Corporation: Advancing Electric Transit Solutions

Damera Corporation is committed to promoting environmental sustainability by providing advanced transit solutions like the Karsan eJEST. As a distributor, we continuously strive to support transit agencies in their transition to greener, more efficient fleets, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment for our communities.

As a distributor, Damera Corporation plays a crucial role in facilitating the adoption of electric buses like the Karsan eJEST. We provide expertise in navigating funding opportunities, offering guidance on vehicle selection, and ensuring seamless integration of charging infrastructure. By partnering with transit agencies and governmental bodies, Damera helps pave the way for cleaner and more efficient public transit systems.

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