🚌 Damera is pleased to share the positive feedback we've received for the eJEST, as stated by Kevin Loughery, senior manager of transit and fleet for the City of Saint John on CBC.

Saint John Transit's test run of on-demand electric buses has been so successful, it's already started a second pilot in the Millidgeville area, said the city's senior manager of transit and fleet. Kevin Loughery said the west side pilot is already proving to be a cost-saver and has doubled ridership numbers in the area since it was launched in January.

Essentially, the transit commission has replaced traditional 40-foot diesel buses with 20-foot electric buses and combined them with a new on-demand service within the pilot area.

While other communities have on-demand and electric buses, Loughery said Saint John is the first municipality in Canada to combine the two.

He said it just makes sense.

"Having the 40-foot travel around in a circle is not exactly the most economical way of doing it. With the 20-foot and an on-demand service, it can be stopped to wait for the next passenger."

Kevin Loughery says, that the eJEST is undoubtedly making a charming impression, as everyone is calling it CUTE. You can't argue with that 😉 )💵 The financial benefits are just as impressive. Comparing costs, a 20-foot electric bus comes in at around $350,000, while a 40-foot diesel-powered bus ranges between $600,000 and $700,000.💰 The real savings come into play when we look at fuel expenses. The cost of a gallon of diesel far surpasses what we pay for an overnight charge. Given that traditional buses require multiple gallons of fuel, the economical advantage of the eJEST is undeniable. With just 3 to 4 dollars per overnight charge, it offers 6-8 hours of service – a remarkable feat.

The City of Saint John also takes a great pride in its drivers. Their unwavering dedication stands as yet another remarkable success story. Their enthusiasm in making this pilot a triumph is truly inspiring. They've taken it upon themselves to maximize the battery's life, treating it almost like a game. They are dedicated to extracting the most out of the bus's performance. This endeavor has significantly enhanced their understanding of how to operate the bus efficiently – from accelerating to braking, and utilizing regenerative braking to recharge the battery. Says Kevin Loughery, this journey has been an incredible learning experience for Saint John Transit, showcasing the remarkable commitment of our drivers to achieving excellence.